The Ministry of Health reported last Monday (17) that it will begin making available a vaccine and medication against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the main cause of most cases of bronchiolitis in children.
The National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies (Conitec) had already recommended the inclusion of the two strategies, namely the Abrysvo vaccine, from Pfizer, and the monoclonal antibody Beyfortus (nirsevimab), from Sanofi, on Thursday (13).According to the communication made by the Ministry, this is a measure to reduce infant mortality related to the virus, through the active immunization of pregnant women and premature babies.Data made available by the Primary Health Care Secretariat (SAPS) show that the virus is responsible for 80% of bronchiolitis cases and up to 60% of pneumonia cases in children under two years of age.“With the incorporation of nirsevimab, the expectation is to extend protection to 300,000 more children than the current protocol.
The vaccine for pregnant women has the potential to benefit around 2 million live births,” the ministry reported in a press release.
Before the new inclusion, RSV prevention carried out by the SUS was done with palivizumab, a medication for extremely premature babies (up to 28 weeks of gestation) and children up to two years of age with chronic lung disease or severe congenital heart disease.
About the vaccine
The Abrysvo vaccine is recommended for the elderly and infants, groups that are more vulnerable to infections caused by RSV. In the second group, the vaccine is administered to pregnant women who are between the second and third trimester.
In a phase 3 study aimed at pregnant women and their babies, the vaccine was able to prevent 82% of serious cases of respiratory diseases caused by RSV in children up to three months old and 69% in babies up to six months old. Among elderly people aged 60 or over, the vaccine was 85.7% effective in protecting against severe forms of the disease.
When it comes to nirsevimab, the monoclonal antibody develops immediate protection against RSV, without needing other stimuli in the immune system to produce its own antibodies.
The implementation of the strategies should be made official soon, through the publication of an ordinance in the Official Gazette. “This is a milestone in our immunization policy and in the care of pregnant women and babies,” highlights the Minister of Health, Nísia Trindade.What is VSR?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of respiratory infections, especially in infants, young children and the elderly.
It can cause anything from mild symptoms, like those of a common cold, to serious conditions, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.RSV is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets when coughing, sneezing or touching contaminated surfaces. In at-risk groups, the infection can be more severe, requiring hospitalization.
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