From 8 September, babies in the Netherlands will be offered protection against the RS virus. This injection applies to babies born from 1 April 2025 onwards. This will protect babies against the RS virus during their first winter season. The injection against the RS virus is not a vaccination, but an immunisation. The injection contains ready-made antibodies against the virus. This means that the baby does not have to produce these antibodies itself, as is the case with a vaccination.
Louis Bont, paediatrician-infectiologist at UMC Utrecht: “RS immunisation is a “turning point” in the fight against the virus. Until now, one in 56 healthy babies in the Netherlands has been admitted to hospital because of RS. Every autumn and winter, these numbers lead to overcrowded paediatric ICUs. The jab can significantly reduce this problem.”
Louis Bont: “Babies in other European countries are already being vaccinated. The number of hospital admissions of babies due to the RS virus has fallen by 80% in those countries. If enough parents have their children vaccinated, we can prevent illness in babies, which will greatly ease the burden on our healthcare system this winter.” The new immunisations are important in combating the RS virus, which is one of the leading causes of infant mortality worldwide.
Babies in the Netherlands receive the RS vaccine just before winter, or immediately after birth if they are born in winter. The vaccine contains ready-made antibodies against the RS virus and is administered in the upper leg. Babies receive the jab once and only in their first year of life. This is when they are most vulnerable and have the highest risk of hospitalisation due to the RS virus. The protection takes effect immediately and lasts as long as the antibodies are present in the body.
RSV is a common, contagious virus that causes respiratory infections. Almost all children get at least one RSV infection before they turn two. Although most infections are mild, RSV can cause serious illness, especially in young children, the elderly and high-risk groups. In infants, it causes respiratory symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath. Every year in the United Kingdom, 3,000 babies are admitted to hospital because of the RS virus, 200 of whom are admitted to intensive care. The majority of babies admitted to hospital are younger than three months old.
