WHO Releases First-Ever position paper on RSV Immunization for kids

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published its first ever position paper on immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a major cause of acute lower respiratory infections in children. RSV leads to around 100,000 deaths and 3.6 million hospitalizations annually among children under five, with infants under six months being the most affected. The majority of these deaths (97%) occur in low- and middle-income countries due to limited medical resources.

Published in the Weekly Epidemiological Record, The WHO recommends protecting infants against severe RSV disease through maternal vaccination during pregnancy or by administering a monoclonal antibody, nirsevimab, to infants at birth or shortly thereafter.

Infants:

Maternal Vaccination:

A single dose of the RSVpreF vaccine during the third trimester of pregnancy is recommended to protect infants.

Nirsevimab:

Infants should receive a single dose of nirsevimab either at birth or before being discharged from a birthing facility. If administered outside of birth, it can be given during the baby's first health visit or before entering their first RSV season.

Key Considerations:

Maternal vaccination:

The vaccine helps transfer antibodies to the fetus, providing protection to the infant after birth.

Nirsevimab:

This long-acting monoclonal antibody offers direct protection to the infant.

Administering the monoclonal antibody to infants under 6 months of age will have the most significant impact on preventing severe RSV disease. However, infants up to 12 months old may also benefit from the protection it offers.

For older adults, the WHO is evaluating RSV vaccines for potential future policy recommendations.

Older Adults:

The WHO is actively evaluating RSV vaccines for older adults and may issue policy recommendations in the future.

In some countries, RSV vaccines are already being used for adults aged 60 and older, or those at higher risk of severe RSV.

WHO routinely publishes updated position papers on vaccines, vaccine combinations, and other immunization products targeting diseases with significant public health impact. These papers primarily guide the use of vaccines in large-scale immunization programs. The newly released position paper on RSV aims to support national public health policymakers, immunization program managers, and both national and international funding agencies in integrating RSV immunization products into their health strategies.