The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first official position paper on immunization against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) โ a critical step in the fight against a disease responsible for nearly 100,000 deaths and 3.6 million hospitalizations each year among children under five.
The paper, published in the Weekly Epidemiological Record, outlines evidence-based strategies to protect infants, especially those under six months old, who are the most vulnerable.
๐ฆ What is RSV?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a major cause of acute lower respiratory infections, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, in young children.
- 97% of RSV-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where access to advanced medical care is limited.
๐ถ WHO Recommendations: Protecting Infants
The WHO recommends two primary methods to prevent severe RSV disease in infants:
1. Maternal Vaccination
- Who? Pregnant women (third trimester)
- What? A single dose of the RSVpreF vaccine
- Why? Antibodies generated in the mother are transferred to the fetus, protecting the baby after birth
2. Monoclonal Antibody โ Nirsevimab
- Who? Newborns and infants up to 12 months
- What? A single dose of nirsevimab
- When?
- At birth or before discharge from a birthing facility
- During the first health visit or before the RSV season
๐ก Key Insight: Infants under 6 months benefit the most, but protection may extend up to 12 months.
๐ง What About Older Adults?
The WHO is actively reviewing data to determine whether RSV vaccines should also be recommended for:
- Adults aged 60 and older
- Individuals with high risk of severe disease
In some countries, such vaccines are already in use for older adults.
๐ Why This Matters
- The position paper supports national immunization program managers, health policymakers, and global funding agencies.
- It enables better integration of RSV prevention into public health strategies, especially in countries hit hardest by the disease.
- This guidance is part of WHOโs broader mission to issue regular position papers on vaccines that tackle major public health threats.
๐ A Lifesaving Step Forward
By emphasizing maternal immunization and early infant protection, WHOโs new RSV position paper could save thousands of lives annually โ especially in resource-limited settings where the burden is greatest.
