ECDC PROJECTS RSV ANTIBODIES COULD CUT INFANT HOSPITALISATIONS

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) says immunising all newborns against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) could reduce infant hospitalisations during winter. Its models project that long-acting antibodies could prevent 61% of RSV-related hospitalisations in infants during their first two months of life. That projection assumes 90% of newborns receive the antibodies at birth. The ECDC published its assessment on Wednesday, examining both direct immunisation of infants and vaccination during pregnancy.

The ECDC estimates that vaccinating pregnant women could prevent 52% of RSV hospitalisations among infants in their first two months. The antibodies in the other approach are laboratory-made proteins that help the immune system fight the virus. RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause severe illness in very young children, particularly during their first months, according to the agency. The ECDC assessed the two approaches as the season for RSV and other respiratory illnesses approached across Europe.

The ECDC said RSV season typically overlaps with influenza and other winter respiratory infections. The agency said these illnesses can increase the risk of serious illness in children. It also said they can add pressure to healthcare services across Europe. Bruno Ciancio, an ECDC head of unit, said: “Protecting infants from RSV in the first months of their life is particularly important, and we have a tool to do just that.”