RSV infection surge and prevention calls in Poland

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections have shown a significant upward trend in Poland, posing substantial health risks to vulnerable populations.

Initial reports highlighted the danger to infants, noting that in 2025, over 94,000 infections were recorded—a twofold increase from the prior year. Medical experts warned that the virus is particularly hazardous for newborns and infants due to underdeveloped immune systems and narrow airways, which can lead to respiratory failure. Concerns were also raised regarding the availability of free vaccinations for seniors.

By mid-2026, data from the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate indicated a continued surge, with 102,164 cases recorded in the first 14 weeks of the year. Medical professionals expanded their warnings to emphasize the threat to adults over 60, particularly those with underlying conditions like COPD or diabetes, noting that the virus can cause dangerous drops in blood oxygen levels. Additionally, experts noted that pediatric prophylaxis coverage in Poland remains low at 1.5%, trailing behind many other EU countries that utilize monoclonal antibodies for prevention.

In September 2026, the RSV Coalition Scientific Council released a report titled ‘RSV Prevention in All Children,’ emphasizing the economic burden of the virus. The report noted that in 2025, approximately 15,000 children under age two were hospitalized due to RSV, incurring costs of 105 million PLN. To reduce pediatric hospitalizations and mitigate expenses, experts are calling for a publicly funded prevention model that integrates vaccinations for pregnant women with passive immunization for infants to prevent complications such as pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and long-term asthma.