The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved two vaccines aimed at protecting infants from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a leading cause of severe respiratory illness and death in young children worldwide.
The two immunization products include a maternal vaccine administered during the third trimester of pregnancy and a long-acting antibody injection given directly to infants. Both are designed to protect babies from RSV during the most vulnerable period of early life. According to WHO, the antibody injection provides protection within a week of administration and lasts for at least five months, covering the critical first months after birth.
RSV is a common virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, in infants particularly those under six months old it can lead to life-threatening complications such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Each year, RSV is responsible for approximately 100,000 deaths among children under five, with a staggering 97% of these fatalities occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Nearly half of all RSV-related deaths occur in infants younger than six months.
Dr. Kate O’Brien, Director of Immunization, Vaccines, and Biologicals at WHO, emphasized the life-saving potential of the new vaccines. “The WHO-recommended RSV immunization products can transform the fight against severe RSV disease, dramatically reduce hospitalizations and deaths, and ultimately save many infant lives globally,” she stated.
Given the high global burden of RSV, WHO is urging all countries to include either the maternal vaccine or the infant antibody injection in their national immunization programs. The move is seen as a crucial step toward reducing infant mortality and improving health outcomes, especially in regions with limited access to advanced pediatric care.
RSV affects people of all ages but is particularly dangerous for infants, premature babies, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The new recommendations represent a significant advance in preventive pediatric care and offer hope for reducing the heavy toll of RSV in vulnerable populations.
WHO’s endorsement of these vaccines marks a pivotal moment in global health, with the potential to save countless young lives.
