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Health reporter Philippa Roxby reported that there is now a way to protect thousands of premature babies in the UK from a common winter virus that can lead to a dangerous lung infection. The injection aims to create a “protective bubble” against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) just in time for the colder months, as mentioned by NHS medics. While most babies are already safeguarded through vaccination late in pregnancy, those born before 32 weeks face a higher risk of life-threatening infections from the virus. Starting late September, around 9,000 babies and young children at risk across the UK will receive a dose of the drug nirsevimab through the NHS.
RSV typically results in coughs and colds, but in some cases, it can severely affect children causing breathing problems, pneumonia, and bronchiolitis, a lung infection. Premature babies are at a greater risk, being three times more likely to be hospitalized due to RSV and ten times more likely to require intensive care compared to full-term babies. Approximately 30,000 children under five in the UK are hospitalized each year because of the virus, with around 30 not surviving. The drug nirsevimab provides six months of protection in a single dose, proving to be over 80% effective.
Unlike a vaccine, which requires time to prompt the body’s creation of antibodies, nirsevimab offers immediate protection against RSV infection. This will be especially beneficial for premature babies and high-risk infants in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Parent Ceri Cox, a paediatric nurse, who saw the impact of RSV firsthand, participated in an international clinical trial with her two-year-old son, Harry, at University Hospital Southampton. Cox expressed hope that with this new immunization, fewer children will be admitted to hospitals this winter
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