Maternal RSV Vaccination Shows High Effectiveness in Argentina, Pioneering Global Approach
Argentina is leading the way in protecting infants from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) with a national maternal vaccination program, demonstrating notable success in its first season. Data from a recent examination reveals a high level of effectiveness in preventing severe RSV-related illness in young children.
Dr. Castellano, medical director of the Scientific Department of the Vaccination Foundation, emphasized the strong scientific backing for maternal RSV vaccination. “The scientific evidence and real-life data support the efficacy and safety of maternal vaccination to prevent serious disease associated with RSV in infants,” he stated. While RSV exhibits seasonal trends, peaking in autumn and winter, Dr. Castellano noted that its circulation varies regionally and can occur year-round, highlighting the need for consistent preventative measures.
A retrospective,multi-centre study conducted in Argentina – the first country to implement RSV vaccination for pregnant individuals through its National Immunization Program in 2024 – evaluated the vaccine’s effectiveness in reducing the burden of RSV-related disease in infants. The results showed an overall effectiveness of 76.9% in prevention of severe RSV cases requiring hospitalization in infants up to six months old.
Specifically, the study found 78.6% effectiveness against hospitalization from birth to three months of life, and 71.3% effectiveness up to six months. in contrast, among infants whose mothers had not received the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, 45% developed severe lower respiratory disease, and 22% required more than four hours of intensive care unit (ICU) attention.
Early data from 2025 indicates a significant decrease in bronchiolitis cases among children under six months, which Dr. castilian attributes to the advancement of maternal vaccination. “We need to continue educating regarding the impact of bronchiolitis in babies and understand that vaccination can change the paradigm of this disease, preventing serious paintings in this vulnerable period of life. Now we can say that RSV bronchiolitis can be prevented,” he said.
The first season of implementation demonstrated high effectiveness in preventing hospitalizations and severe illness during the first months of life. These findings, supported by clinical trials, reinforce the importance of this public health strategy. Argentina’s experience is a pioneering precedent globally, potentially influencing other countries considering similar measures.
Approved by ANMAT in September 2023 and included in the National Vaccination Calendar by the Ministry of Health in December 2023, the vaccine is free and mandatory for pregnant individuals. This approval occurred concurrently with approvals from health authorities in Europe (EMA) and the United States (FDA).
Dr. Castellano concluded, “Extending the vaccination campaign means giving more opportunities to future moms to access this tool that demonstrated high effectiveness to prevent serious bronchiolitis, a key public health measure that can save the lives of their babies.”
