The paediatricians of the General Health System received instructions for the administration of the preventive drug for the respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV.
This is the Beyfortus monoclonal antibody, which has already begun to be available in paediatricians' offices.
BEYFORTUS (active substance nirsevimab) is a long-acting monoclonal antibody specifically designed to prevent serious respiratory infections caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). RSV is one of the most common viruses that cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and can lead to serious complications, especially in the first months of life.
It is recalled that last year, in fact, a large number of cases were recorded, while several children, mainly of younger ages, were admitted for hospitalization due to severe symptoms.
Unlike vaccines, BEYFORTUS does not stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies, but offers ready-made passive immunity, i.e. it directly administers antibodies that neutralize the RSV virus.
It is given in a dose that provides protection that lasts for the entire virus season, i.e. about five to six months.
The drug is administered intramuscularly to newborns and infants, as well as to premature or susceptible children, and has been shown to significantly reduce (up to 80%) the risk of hospitalization due to RSV infection.
According to the Ministry of Health, for the Monoclonal Antibody against RSV, a administration protocol has been prepared and priority is given to newborns born between October – March, infants younger than 8 months who are going through their first winter and infants and children 8 – 24 months who are at high risk.
In the meantime, since yesterday, flu vaccines have been available in private pharmacies for citizens who do not belong to the groups of beneficiaries of free vaccination. Citizens can buy the vaccines from their neighbourhood pharmacy and contact their doctor for administration.
