2024-02-16 18:00:55
Earlier this week we shared that the Health Council is overhauling vaccination plans for babies. The advice is to protect all little ones against the RS virus. We found out how the RS vaccination works and what the possible side effects are.
The RS virus is the most common cold virus in children, especially active in winter. Although most children only show mild cold symptoms, it poses a potential danger to babies, causing bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
RS virus risk groups
Babies who are born prematurely, have Down syndrome, or have congenital heart defects are more at risk for serious complications. About 1 to 2 percent of babies end up in the hospital, and some even have to go to intensive care. Fortunately, the chance of death in the Netherlands is minimal, but in countries with limited medical care this chance is greater.
RS vaccination
There is currently no standard vaccine against the RS virus. Previously, children who were considered to be at risk received a “passive vaccination” with the drug palivizumab. This medication had to be administered monthly during the RS virus season and was only effective for four weeks. The recently marketed drug nirsevimab is registered for use in all babies, not just in risk groups.
Also read all about the rotavirus: what is it and how can you prevent it?
Speed and duration protection
When nirsevimab is administered through the mother, the antibodies need two weeks to become effective for the baby. If the vaccine is given directly to the baby, the protection is active immediately. Nirsevimab provides at least five months of protection, making one dose per RS virus season sufficient to prevent serious infections. It is important to administer the vaccine at the right time. For example, if a mother gives birth after the virus season, it does not make sense to give the vaccine through her, because its effectiveness has decreased by the time the virus becomes active again.
Side effects of the RS vaccine
Side effects of maternal vaccination are generally mild and short-lived, although research is ongoing into a possible slightly increased risk of premature birth. Side effects are rare in babies. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) reports some possible side effects, such as a red or painful spot at the injection site or fever. In countries that already vaccinate against RSV, no serious side effects have been reported so far after more than seven thousand vaccinations.
When will the vaccine be available?
The Health Council says that it is important to vaccinate babies against the RS virus as part of the National Vaccination Program. But State Secretary Van Ooijen says there is currently no money to do this. The decision on this lies with the next cabinet.
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