Palivizumab Immunization Recommended for Premature Infants to Combat RSV
Jakarta, Indonesia – November 25, 2023 – The Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) is recommending Palivizumab immunization to prevent severe respiratory illness caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in premature babies, with implementation planned for 2025. RSV, a common respiratory virus often mistaken for a cold or flu, poses a significant threat to infants under two years of age, especially those born prematurely.
RSV enters the body through the respiratory tract and can lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Symptoms include runny nose, cough, sneezing, and loss of appetite. In high-risk infants – including those under two months old born prematurely, children with chronic lung disorders like bronchopulmonary dysplasia, congenital heart disease, cancer, or neuromuscular disorders – RSV infection can rapidly become severe, causing significant breathing difficulties and potentially requiring intensive care.
“There is no need for an immune response, that is the advantage of giving Palivizumab, this is passive immunization,” explained Cissy, as quoted Tuesday.
Palivizumab is administered via intramuscular injection at a dose of 15 milligrams per kilogram of body weight and provides protection for 30 days. It is indeed recommended to be given one month before the RSV season, typically from the end of the year to the middle of the following year.
Currently, Palivizumab is primarily used for premature babies but remains expensive and not widely available.A new RSV vaccine for pregnant women, designed to create maternal antibodies that transfer to the baby, offers another potential preventative measure, providing protection for up to six months after birth.
alongside immunization, preventative measures such as regular handwashing, mask-wearing, avoiding face-touching, maintaining clean environments, avoiding smoking near children, and ensuring adequate fluid and food intake when sick are crucial in mitigating the spread of RSV. (Ant/Z-1)
