The campaign to immunize infants born this year against bronchiolitis has started in France, in preparation for the winter season. This is the second of its kind. The main preventive treatment was put on the market last year and is very effective in preventing serious forms of this disease in babies. Nearly 6,000 hospitalizations were thus avoided last winter.
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Bronchiolitis is a highly contagious infection, most often caused by the respiratory syncytial virus, RSV. Although the disease is generally benign, it can cause serious complications in infants.
Hence the interest in preventive treatment, Beyfortus, an antibody. Christèle Gras-Le Guen is a professor of pediatrics at the Nantes University Hospital and she assists the health authorities for the immunization campaign.
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“ This antibody is administered intramuscularly. It is effective in the days that follow. Last year’s results show an 80% effectiveness in preventing hospitalizations in intensive care, hospitalizations, visits to the emergency room, so a spectacular effectiveness. »
During the first campaign last year, there was a shortage of doses; the enthusiasm of families surprised the authorities.
Doubling of reserves
For this edition, more than double that, or 600,000 doses, should be available for babies born in 2024. Another option: a new vaccine, Abrysvo, which pregnant women can receive at the end of their pregnancy.
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” This vaccine demonstrates excellent efficacy on maternal antibody levels which are then transmitted to the baby and which protect against RSV infections, in the same way as the administration of Beyfortus, which is done after birth. “, the professor explains.
Note that this new vaccine is also one of two vaccines now recommended for the elderly, who are also at risk of serious illness from this respiratory virus.