Latest news with #Palivizumab
Belfast Telegraph
8 hours ago
- Health
- Belfast Telegraph
RSV vaccine to be offered to premature babies in NI from autumn, health officials announce
Chief Medical Officer Sir Michael McBride said it will strengthen protection against the potentially serious respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds and infections are very common. Almost all children get them at least once before they are two years old. They're not usually serious, but some babies and adults have a higher risk of getting seriously ill, including babies under six months old and young children who were born prematurely, according to the NHS. An RSV vaccine has been available to pregnant women here since last September and is offered from 28 weeks of pregnancy. Now, a long-acting injection will be offered for eligible children from this autumn, the Department of Health said. Nirsevimab will replace the current jab, Palivizumab, following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in February 2023. It offers over 80% protection against the virus and is administered as a single injection that provides protection right through an RSV season – from September to February each year. Kneecap to face no further action from police after Glastonbury performance Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: 'The risk of contracting RSV for children born very prematurely in their first winter is extremely serious and has a significant impact on our health service each year. 'My department has approved using this new vaccine in line with the approach being taken across the other UK nations. 'This innovative vaccine further strengthens our winter preparedness to prevent avoidable hospital admissions and reduce pressures on GPs and emergency departments. 'It follows on from the launch of an RSV vaccination programme for pregnant women and adults aged 75-79 years old last year. 'I would encourage parents and guardians of those eligible to avail of the vaccination to help protect their baby from illness.' Chief Medical Officer Sir Michael McBride said: 'RSV is a potentially serious virus, particularly for very young babies. 'Vaccinations have been extremely effective in eradicating diseases and protecting children and other vulnerable groups from serious illness and death. 'Worryingly, we are now seeing a decline in the uptake of childhood immunisations. Vaccinations offer children the very best start in life. Quite simply, if children aren't vaccinated, they're not protected.'
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Wheezing, coughing, and pneumonia in infants: Could it be RSV?
Every monsoon and winter, hospitals see a rise in babies struggling with severe cough, breathing trouble, or symptoms that seem like an upper respiratory tract infection or pneumonia. Many parents assume it's just a common cold, but often, it turns out to be something more serious like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). This highly contagious virus is one of the most common causes of lower respiratory infections in children under five, and in some cases it may become dangerous, especially for infants in their first year. RSV: More than just a cold RSV usually starts with signs that look like a regular cold—runny nose, mild cough, and slight fever. But in some infants, especially those within one year of age, RSV can worsen rapidly. Within a short span, symptoms can worsen, leading to difficulty in breathing and a need for hospital care. Why babies under one are more vulnerable In the first year, a baby's immune system and lungs are still in the development stage. Their airways are narrower, and any swelling or mucus caused by an infection can block airflow more easily than in older children or adults. This puts them at higher risk of complications like wheezing and pneumonia. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo It's not just preterm or high-risk babies, in fact, most RSV-related hospital admissions involve full-term, previously healthy infants. Even after recovery, severe RSV infections can lead to long-term issues like recurrent wheezing, increased chances of asthma, and frequent ear infections that can affect hearing and speech development later in life. How a single shot can help protect In India, RSV infections tend to peak during monsoon and early winter seasons. However, RSV may circulate year-round. This makes it important for parents and healthcare providers to stay alert beyond just the traditional 'season'. Thanks to advances in healthcare, we now have options to protect babies from RSV. While the RSVpreF vaccine (maternal vaccine) is currently unavailable in India, monoclonal antibodies Palivizumab and Nirsevimab offer effective options for RSV prevention. While Palivizumab is limited to use in high-risk infants, Nirsevimab, a single-shot immunization that will soon be available, is suitable for administration to all infants shortly after birth or before they leave the hospital. If they miss it, it can still be given later during a regular check-up. RSV spreads quickly and hits hard before you even realize it. That's why protecting your baby early, before symptoms appear, is the best way to avoid serious illness. Parents should talk to their doctors about RSV prevention soon after their child is born. The first year is a time to grow, play, and explore, not to spend in hospital beds fighting preventable infections. With the right awareness and timely protection, we can ensure infants get the healthy start they deserve. As we say prevention is better than cure, especially with viral illnesses such as RSV as there is no definite treatment once you get affected. Author: Dr. Raghuram Mallaiah, Senior Director Neonatology, Fortis La Femme GK-II, New Delhi
Hans India
5 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Need for awareness and immunization against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in India
Medical experts in India are calling for urgent attention to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a highly contagious but under-discussed cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children under five. RSV, often mistaken for a mild seasonal cold, accounts for ~ 3.6 million hospitalizations and ~ 100,000 deaths in children under five each year globally. India, with the largest birth cohort of ~ 25 million newborns annually, contributes significantly to this burden. The impact is particularly severe during the country's monsoon and early winter months, when neonatal ICUs experience a surge in admissions. Alarmingly, even healthy, full-term infants across all socio-economic backgrounds often require oxygen or ventilator support due to RSV-related complications. Therefore, raising awareness among parents and healthcare professionals about available preventive measures is critical to reducing the disease's toll on young lives. Dr. Vasant M. Khalatkar, Current National President, Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), said 'RSV remains a significant threat to infant health, and while hygiene measures like handwashing are essential, they're often not enough—especially for babies under one year. With the recent World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation for long-acting monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and India enabling access to these solutions, we now have vital tools to protect our youngest. Palivizumab has been available for high-risk infants, offering protection through monthly dosing during the RSV season. Now, with the arrival of Nirsevimab—a single-dose, long-acting antibody that provides season-long protection—we're seeing a major advancement. Administered shortly after birth or during routine follow-ups, these preventive options can greatly reduce RSV-related hospitalizations and shield infants from serious complications like bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Prevention, timely awareness, and parental engagement are critical to reducing RSV's impact across India.' Dr. Cesar Mascarenas, Head of Medical International Region, Sanofi, commented 'We have long been working to close critical gaps in prevention by advancing science-driven solutions that align with evolving global recommendations, including those from the WHO. Addressing RSV burden in India with advanced preventive care is the need of the hour. Strengthening awareness, improving access to protective interventions, and enabling timely immunization are essential steps in reducing the impact of RSV and safeguarding the health of future generations.' Dr. Bhavesh Kotak, Head, Medical Affairs, Dr. Reddy's, added 'India bears a significant share of the global RSV burden. Unlike high-income countries with advanced prevention care and early access to preventive solution, India still faces challenges in timely diagnosis and protection. Increased awareness around the severity of RSV and enabled access to ground-breaking immunization solutions will be critical in building a more equitable and effective national response to RSV.' In April 2025, Sanofi and Dr. Reddy's announced the expansion of their partnership to bring to India a novel, single-dose preventive immunization developed to protect infants from RSV-related complications. Caregivers or parents are advised to speak with their pediatricians / neonatologist for more details.
Hans India
08-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Need for awareness and immunization against Respiratory Syncytial Virus in India
Bengaluru: Medical experts in India are calling for urgent attention to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a highly contagious but under-discussed cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children under five. RSV, often mistaken for a mild seasonal cold, accounts for ~ 3.6 million hospitalizations and ~ 100,000 deaths in children under five each year globally. India, with the largest birth cohort of ~ 25 million newborns annually, contributes significantly to this burden. The impact is particularly severe during the country's monsoon and early winter months, when neonatal ICUs experience a surge in admissions. Alarmingly, even healthy, full-term infants across all socio-economic backgrounds often require oxygen or ventilator support due to RSV-related complications. Therefore, raising awareness among parents and healthcare professionals about available preventive measures is critical to reducing the disease's toll on young lives. Dr. Vasant M. Khalatkar, Current National President, Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), said 'RSV remains a significant threat to infant health, and while hygiene measures like handwashing are essential, they're often not enough—especially for babies under one year. With the recent World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation for long-acting monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and India enabling access to these solutions, we now have vital tools to protect our youngest. Palivizumab has been available for high-risk infants, offering protection through monthly dosing during the RSV season. Now, with the arrival of Nirsevimab—a single-dose, long-acting antibody that provides season-long protection—we're seeing a major advancement. Administered shortly after birth or during routine follow-ups, these preventive options can greatly reduce RSV-related hospitalizations and shield infants from serious complications like bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Prevention, timely awareness, and parental engagement are critical to reducing RSV's impact across India.' Dr. Cesar Mascarenas, Head of Medical International Region, Sanofi, commented 'We have long been working to close critical gaps in prevention by advancing science-driven solutions that align with evolving global recommendations, including those from the WHO. Addressing RSV burden in India with advanced preventive care is the need of the hour. Strengthening awareness, improving access to protective interventions, and enabling timely immunization are essential steps in reducing the impact of RSV and safeguarding the health of future generations.' Dr. Bhavesh Kotak, Head, Medical Affairs, Dr. Reddy's, added 'India bears a significant share of the global RSV burden. Unlike high-income countries with advanced prevention care and early access to preventive solution, India still faces challenges in timely diagnosis and protection. Increased awareness around the severity of RSV and enabled access to ground-breaking immunization solutions will be critical in building a more equitable and effective national response to RSV.' In April 2025, Sanofi and Dr. Reddy's announced the expansion of their partnership to bring to India a novel, single-dose preventive immunization developed to protect infants from RSV-related complications. Caregivers or parents are advised to speak with their pediatricians / neonatologist for more details.
