BOLZANO. The prophylaxis campaign will start on Tuesday 5 November, with bookings starting from Monday 4 “I will take care of you”to prevent acute respiratory infections caused by virus sinciziale (RSV), particularly risky for newborns.
The campaign will be free. The experts of the health company presented the new prophylaxis aimed mainly at children born on or after May 1, 2024. We remind you that the data ranging from 1 October 2023 to 31 March 2024 (epidemic season of the syncytial virus) and which concern the entire province show 189 hospitalizations under one year of age; 14 were admitted to intensive care and almost all of the remainder underwent non-invasive ventilation.
With the arrival of autumn and winter, seasons most at risk, it is essential to prevent the little ones from encountering this eventuality. For this reason, the ASL is making available the new drug called Nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody that can be administered intramuscularly, in use in other countries since last year and now also available in Italy.
The medicine guarantees: a reduction of up to 80% in respiratory infections requiring medical assistance, a 77% decrease in hospitalizations and the prevention of the onset of distant complications, such as recurrent bronchospasm, which can arise in a third of cases even after recovery from the infection.
Alex Stafflerhead of Neonatology at San Maurizio, says that with a single dose of the drug the probability that girls and boys will have to be hospitalized is drastically reduced. Laura Battistihead of Paediatrics, explains that «our first objective is to prevent newborns and infants from ending up hospitalized in the ward or even in intensive care after contracting the virus. The data relating to the 2023-2024 winter season speak clearly: they are almost 200 children under one year of age hospitalized in hospital. We must ensure that these numbers are not repeated this year too.”
It is possible to book starting from 04.11.2024, by calling 100 100 preceded by one of the four provincial codes. The administrations will take place from November 5th in the vaccination centers and, moreover, also at paediatricians of free choice.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Alex Staffler, RSV Expert
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Staffler! Thank you for joining us today to discuss an important health initiative that’s about to launch in Bolzano. The RSV prophylaxis campaign is set to start on November 5th. Could you provide our readers with a brief overview of what this campaign entails?
Dr. Staffler: Thank you for having me! Yes, the campaign aims to protect newborns from respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, especially those born on or after May 1, 2024. It’s crucial because RSV poses a significant risk to infants, and the upcoming autumn and winter months are particularly concerning. The health authority in Bolzano will offer free prophylaxis using a monoclonal antibody called Nirsevimab, which has shown promising results in reducing severe respiratory infections in children.
Editor: That’s great to hear. Can you elaborate on how Nirsevimab works and why it has been chosen for this campaign?
Dr. Staffler: Certainly! Nirsevimab is administered intramuscularly and works by targeting the RSV virus directly. It has been in use in other countries since last year, and studies indicate that it can reduce respiratory infections requiring medical assistance by up to 80% and hospitalizations by 77%. Additionally, it helps prevent long-term complications, such as recurrent bronchospasm, in a significant number of cases. This makes it an excellent option for protecting our most vulnerable population—newborns.
Editor: The statistics from last season are quite concerning, with 189 hospitalizations under one year of age. How does the campaign plan to address this alarming trend?
Dr. Staffler: Yes, the data truly highlights the necessity of this initiative. By rolling out this free prophylactic campaign, the goal is to significantly decrease the incidence of RSV-related hospitalizations through early intervention. By vaccinating at-risk infants before they contend with RSV all winter, we can reduce the burden on healthcare systems and keep these children healthy.
Editor: With bookings opening on November 4th, how can parents ensure that they can secure appointments for their children?
Dr. Staffler: Parents should stay informed through official health authority channels for specific booking procedures, as these may vary. It’s important that they act quickly, as the demand for such services can be high, given the critical nature of RSV and the timing of the campaign. I encourage all parents to prioritize this opportunity for their newborns’ health.
Editor: Absolutely. As we know, prevention is key. Are there any other measures that families can take during this RSV season?
Dr. Staffler: Yes, aside from getting vaccinated if eligible, families should practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and keeping infants away from crowded places during peak respiratory virus seasons. It’s also vital for caregivers to be mindful of any signs of respiratory distress in infants and to seek medical advice promptly.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Staffler, for sharing your expertise on this vital campaign. We hope parents will heed this advice and ensure their little ones are protected against RSV this season.
Dr. Staffler: Thank you for bringing attention to this important issue. Together, we can help safeguard our children’s health.