RSV Protection Expanded for Belgian Infants as Vaccination Campaign Launches
Brussels, Belgium – A new campaign launching September 1st aims to protect all Belgian infants from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a common respiratory infection that can be severe in young children. This comes as health officials highlight a concerning trend: currently, all infants hospitalized with RSV are those whose mothers were not vaccinated against teh virus during pregnancy.
The push for broader protection involves two key strategies. For the first year of life, vaccination of pregnant mothers remains the primary defense. “The CSS supports the two methods, in the case of protection during the first year,” explained David Tuerlinckx, a pediatrician. For infants entering their second year, the long-acting monoclonal antibody, Nirsevimab, is now recommended and fully reimbursed by the healthcare system.
Tuerlinckx specifically recommends Nirsevimab for children with increased risk factors, including “Children with chronic pulmonary disease, congenital heart disease, immunocompromised conditions, or Down syndrome,” as thes children are more vulnerable to severe illness during their second RSV season.
Understanding the Changing Seasonality of RSV
A crucial element of the new strategy is a better understanding of RSV’s seasonality in belgium. sciensano, the national public health institute, has established a defined RSV season running from October 1st to track virus circulation and optimize vaccination efforts. Babies born during the season gain immediate immunity. Though, a “catch-up” group – infants born outside the season (February 19th to September 30th, 2025) – requires particular attention. Health officials believe achieving strong immune coverage within this group could dramatically reduce hospitalizations. “A good immune coverage of this group would make it possible to envisage a situation where infants’ hospitalizations can be almost entirely avoided,” thay stated.Addressing Data Gaps & Mobilizing Healthcare Professionals
The launch of this campaign is also a response to shortcomings in the previous season. Françoise Mambourg, a doctor and representative of the Scientific Society of General Medicine (SSMG), noted, “the past season was marked by a lack of information to parents, with an impact on the vaccination campaign.” Mambourg emphasized the need to improve interaction,stating,”So that our newborns breathe well.”
To that end, pediatricians, gynecologists, general practitioners, midwives, and pharmacists are being urged to proactively inform parents about the importance of RSV immunization.This expanded protection comes alongside promising developments in RSV prevention. Sanofi and AstraZeneca are jointly developing a new vaccine aimed at combating the virus, which affects approximately 30% of children.
Background: RSV and the Importance of Prevention
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia, notably in infants and young children. Hospitalization rates for RSV can surge during the winter months, placing a strain on healthcare systems. Maternal vaccination during pregnancy provides passive immunity to the newborn, protecting them during their first vulnerable months. The introduction of Nirsevimab offers a targeted preventative measure for those at higher risk during their second year of life, offering a notable step forward in protecting Belgium’s youngest population.
