Colombia Launches National Maternal RSV Vaccination Program to Protect Infants
Colombia has added a maternal vaccine against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) to it’s Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), a move lauded as a important step in protecting newborns from severe respiratory illness. The initiative, supported by the World Health organization (WHO) and the National Committee on Immunization Practices, positions Colombia as a regional leader in maternal immunization focused on equitable access.
RSV is the leading cause of respiratory infections in children under two years old, peaking in incidence between three and six months of age. The virus can cause a range of illnesses, from common colds to severe pneumonia requiring hospitalization, and is estimated to infect 60-70% of infants before their first birthday. It’s currently the primary cause of pediatric hospitalization and pneumonia-related mortality in the first six months of life.
Clinical trials demonstrate the vaccine’s effectiveness, showing an 81.8% reduction in serious respiratory infections up to three months of age and a 69.4% reduction up to six months in vaccinated infants.
The national rollout follows a accomplished pilot program initiated in August 2025 in the departments of Chocó and La Guajira. Positive results from the pilot led the Ministry of Health and Social Protection to expand the program nationwide.
Minister of Health Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo emphasized the importance of the decision, stating, “With the introduction of this maternal vaccine we take a momentous step to protect children from birth.” He encouraged pregnant women between 28 and 36 weeks of gestation to seek vaccination at authorized points or through Basic Health Teams operating throughout the country.
The inclusion of the RSV vaccine also aligns with Law 2406 of 2024, which mandates the ongoing modernization and updating of the EPI. Moreover, the initiative contributes to Colombia’s commitment to the Enduring Progress Goals, specifically aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to under 12 per 1,000 live births and under-five mortality to less than 25 per 1,000 by 2030.
Implementation is being coordinated between territorial entities, Health Promoting Entities (EPS), and Healthcare Providers (IPS), with technical support from the National Institute for Food and Drug Surveillance. The program underscores Colombia’s dedication to protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring equitable access to essential healthcare services.
