Geneva- The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its inaugural position paper on immunization products designed to safeguard infants from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a leading cause of acute lower respiratory infections in young children globally. RSV is responsible for approximately 100,000 deaths and over 3.6 million hospitalizations annually in children under five, with roughly half of these fatalities occurring in infants younger than six months. A staggering 97% of RSV-related infant deaths happen in low- and middle-income countries, where access to critical supportive care like oxygen and hydration is often limited.
Published in the Weekly Epidemiological Record (WER), the paper outlines WHO’s recommendations for two key immunization products. The first is a maternal vaccine, intended for administration to pregnant women during their third trimester, to confer protection to their newborns. The second is a long-acting monoclonal antibody, which can be given to infants from birth, either just before or during the RSV season. Dr. Kate O’Brien, Director of Immunization, Vaccines, and Biologicals at WHO, emphasized that these recommended products have the potential to “transform the fight against severe RSV disease, dramatically reduce hospitalizations, and deaths, ultimately saving many infant lives globally.”
RSV typically manifests with mild, common cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, and fever. However, it can progress to severe complications, including pneumonia and bronchiolitis, particularly in infants, young children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems or pre-existing health conditions. Both immunization products, the maternal vaccine RSVpreF and the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab, were endorsed for global implementation by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) in September 2024. The maternal vaccine also received WHO prequalification in March 2025, enabling its procurement by UN agencies.
WHO advises that the maternal vaccine be administered to pregnant women from week 28 of gestation onward, ideally during routine antenatal care visits, to maximize antibody transfer to the baby. For nirsevimab, a single injection of monoclonal antibodies provides protection against RSV within a week, lasting for at least five months and potentially covering an entire RSV season. WHO recommends a single dose be given to infants immediately after birth or upon discharge from a birthing facility, or during their first health visit. In countries with seasonal RSV, older infants can receive a single dose just before their first RSV season. The greatest impact is anticipated in infants under six months, though benefits may extend to those up to 12 months of age. These recommendations aim to guide national public health policymakers, immunization program managers, and funding agencies in integrating RSV immunization products into their national programs.
Sankofaonline
