Earlier this week, the Public Health Agency issued a recommendation that people over 75, and people in risk groups over 60, should receive a vaccine against the RS virus. Now the authority also makes recommendations regarding which children should receive preventive treatment.
– This applies to premature babies and children under one year old with heart and lung diseases. We also recommend that small children with certain neurological conditions and severely weakened immune systems receive preventive treatment, says Johanna Rubin, doctor and investigator at the Public Health Agency.
Gives milder illness
The two drugs that have now been approved are so-called monoclonal antibodies. They mean that children who are infected with the RS virus have a milder infection.
– The one drug is given as an injection that has an effect for six months. The second is given once a month, says Johanna Rubin.
The vaccine recommended for people over 60 can also be given to pregnant women.
– Then the mother’s protection is transferred to the small child. Today, however, you have to pay for such a vaccination yourself, says Johanna Rubin.
The vaccine is already on the market now, but it may take some time for the new preventive drugs.
– We at the Public Health Authority make a recommendation, then it is up to the regions to procure the medicines from the suppliers.
In the clip, Johanna Rubin explains how to recognize an RS virus infection and when to seek care.