RSV prevention strategies expanded for infants and pregnant women

New prevention strategies for bronchiolitis caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are being implemented to protect infants from severe infection. For the 2026-2027 season, the prevention offer includes two alternative immunization strategies.

The first option is vaccination during pregnancy, typically between the 32nd and 36th week of gestation, allowing the mother to pass antibodies to the child. The second option is the administration of monoclonal antibodies directly to the infant, such as Nirsevimab (Beyfortus), Clesrovimab (Enflonsia), or Palivisumab (Synagis). This can be done at birth or before the epidemic season begins.

Health professionals are tasked with explaining these choices to expectant parents to ensure informed decision-making. In addition to medical interventions, standard hygiene practices such as regular hand washing, ventilating rooms, and wearing masks when symptomatic remain essential to limit virus transmission.