# Global RSV vaccine and antibody rollout expands > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rsv-vaccination-shown-to-lower-unnecessary-antibiotic-use-and-senior-hospitalizations > Updated: 2026-09-14T02:27:02.000Z. Sources: 92. Developments: 31. Since mid‑2023, RSV immunisation has expanded globally. In the UK, the UK Health Security Agency reported that a maternal vaccination program—which reached 61.7% of women giving birth between March 2025 and February 2026—resulted in a 50% reduction in intensive care and high dependency unit admissions for infants under six months during the 2025-26 winter season. Similar success was observed in Australia, where the STREETON study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that maternal vaccination reduces the risk of RSV-related hospitalisations by over 80% during an infant’s first six months of life. In contrast, Panama is facing a severe surge. As of epidemiological week 31, 18 deaths were reported, including 16 children under five. The Hospital del Niño has operated at high capacity, leading to the temporary suspension of complex elective surgeries due to bed shortages. To combat the spread, Panama’s Ministry of Health has launched the administration of nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, following a $3.5 million investment to acquire 13,790 doses via PAHO. In Brazil, the city of Goiânia is maintaining antibody administration for high-risk children under two through August 31. In Peru, medical specialists have recommended expanding the maternal vaccination window from 28 to 36 weeks. In Spain, regional efforts to protect infants continue. The Lombardy Region in Italy has launched its third consecutive annual campaign to provide free monoclonal antibodies to infants born since April 1, 2026. In Belgium, health authorities are recommending the administration of nirsevimab (Beyfortus) to mitigate severe illness. To further support global efforts, the World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified the multi-dose vial presentation of the maternal RSV vaccine, RSVpreF (ABRYSVO®). This move aims to increase affordability and ease of delivery, particularly in low- and middle-income countries supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. ## Claims - VSR causes 80% of bronchiolitis cases and up to 60% of pneumonia in children under two years old. (disputed) - RSV accounts for approximately 75% of acute viral bronchiolitis cases and 40% of seasonal pneumonias in children under 2. (disputed) - RSV accounted for 22.9% of detected respiratory viruses in Chile during epidemiological week 29 (19‑25 July 2026). (corroborated by 4 sources) - Ecuador incorporated the RSV vaccine for pregnant women for the first time. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Maternal immunisation transfers antibodies to the fetus, providing protection in the first weeks of life. (corroborated by 2 sources) - 13 children died in Panama in 2026 from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). (corroborated by 2 sources) - National influenza vaccination coverage in Chile in 2026 was 78.1%. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The RSV vaccine is recommended for pregnant women from the 28th week of gestation in Brazil. (single source) - The Brazilian Society of Immunizations (SBIm) launched the campaign 'Todos contra o VSR – Proteção desde o Início' to raise awareness of RSV immunisation. (single source) - In 2023 Brazil recorded 21,398 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SRAG) cases caused by VSR, with 246 deaths. (single source) - The RSV vaccine is part of Brazil's prenatal care program alongside influenza, dTpa, hepatitis B and Covid‑19 vaccines. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-14: WHO prequalifies multi-dose RSV vaccine for pregnant women The WHO has prequalified a multi-dose vial of the RSVpreF vaccine for pregnant women to help reduce infant mortality and hospitalizations caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus globally. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/who-prequalifies-multi-dose-rsv-vaccine-for-pregnant-women ### 2026-09-10: WHO prequalifies multi-dose RSV vaccine to expand global infant protection The WHO has prequalified a multi-dose maternal RSV vaccine to improve global access for infants, while new research shows RSV vaccines reduce hospitalizations in seniors by up to 75%. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/who-prequalifies-multi-dose-rsv-vaccine-to-expand-global-infant-protection ### 2026-09-09: Sweden expands antibody treatments for newborns to combat RS-virus Sweden is expanding antibody treatments for newborns to combat the RS-virus, following a successful pilot that reduced RSV-related infant hospitalizations by approximately 82 percent. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sweden-expands-antibody-treatments-for-newborns-to-combat-rs-virus ### 2026-09-07: Belgium health officials recommend RSV antibody treatment for infants Belgian health officials recommend Beyfortus, an antibody treatment, to protect infants from severe RSV infections during the upcoming respiratory virus season. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belgium-health-officials-recommend-rsv-antibody-treatment-for-infants ### 2026-09-02: Castilla-La Mancha invests 3.2 million euros in RSV protection for infants Castilla-La Mancha has contracted Sanofi Aventis for 15,000 doses of nirsevimab to protect infants from severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections during the 2026-2027 season. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/castilla-la-mancha-invests-32-million-euros-in-rsv-protection-for-infants ### 2026-09-02: Lombardy launches early RSV immunization campaign for newborns Lombardy has launched an early immunization campaign providing free monoclonal antibodies to newborns to protect against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) before the winter season. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lombardy-launches-early-rsv-immunization-campaign-for-infants ### 2026-08-31: Panama begins nirsevimab administration to protect newborns from RSV Panama has begun administering nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody, to newborns to prevent severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections, following a $3.5 million investment for 13,790 doses. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panama-begins-nirsevimab-administration-to-protect-newborns-from-rsv ### 2026-08-26: Nirsevimab reduces RSV bronchiolitis hospitalizations by 80% in infants Research from Hospital Joan XXIII shows the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab reduces RSV-related bronchiolitis hospitalizations by 80% and pediatric ICU admissions by 55% in infants. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nirsevimab-reduces-rsv-bronchiolitis-hospitalizations-by-80-in-infants ### 2026-08-26: Vietnam medical experts discuss RSV prevention for infants Medical experts in Vietnam are discussing new prevention strategies for RSV, a highly contagious virus that causes severe respiratory infections and is a leading cause of infant hospitalization. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-medical-experts-discuss-rsv-prevention-for-infants ### 2026-08-23: Maternal RSV vaccination reduces infant ICU admissions in England Maternal RSV vaccination has halved infant intensive care admissions in England, while specialists in Peru urge broader, year-round access to the vaccine for pregnant women. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maternal-rsv-vaccination-reduces-infant-icu-admissions-in-england ### 2026-08-18: Maternal RSV vaccination reduces infant hospitalizations in Australia and UK Maternal RSV vaccination programs in Australia and the UK are significantly reducing infant hospitalizations and intensive care admissions for respiratory syncytial virus. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maternal-rsv-vaccination-reduces-infant-hospitalizations-in-australia-and-uk ### 2026-08-18: Panama faces RSV surge with 18 deaths and hospital bed shortages Panama reports 18 deaths from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), primarily among children. The Hospital del Niño has suspended elective surgeries due to high hospitalization rates and bed shortages. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panama-faces-rsv-surge-with-18-deaths-and-hospital-bed-shortages ### 2026-08-13: UK maternal RSV vaccine program halves newborn ICU admissions New data from the UK Health Security Agency shows a 50% drop in newborn ICU admissions for RSV in England following the first full year of a maternal vaccination program. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-maternal-rsv-vaccine-program-halves-newborn-icu-admissions ### 2026-08-11: Goiânia maintains RSV immunization for high-risk children Goiânia is providing RSV immunization for high-risk children with comorbidities until August 31 at the Municipal Vaccination Center to prevent severe respiratory infections. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/goinia-maintains-rsv-immunization-for-high-risk-children ### 2026-08-10: RSV prevention shows high efficacy despite emerging antibody resistance New data shows maternal RSV vaccination significantly reduces infant hospitalizations, while studies in France identify emerging nirsevimab resistance in specific RSV-B breakthrough infections. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rsv-prevention-shows-high-efficacy-despite-emerging-antibody-resistance ### 2026-08-07: Panama Oeste reports 36 RSV cases, three infants remain hospitalized Panama Oeste reports 36 RSV cases, with three infants (2‑8 months) still hospitalized, one transferred to Hospital del Niño in Panama City. Officials urge vaccination for pregnant women and seniors, and stress防 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panama-oeste-reports-36-rsv-cases-three-infants-remain-hospitalized ### 2026-08-05: Argentina and Mexico expand newborn vaccination programs Argentina's Cipolletti hospital schedules weekly BCG shots for newborns, while Mexico's Tamaulipas state offers free RSV vaccine to pregnant women to protect infants at birth. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-and-mexico-expand-newborn-vaccination-programs ### 2026-08-03: RSV outbreak hospitalizes infants in Panama West province Four infants in Panama West are hospitalized with RSV‑related bronchiolitis and pneumonia; 36 provincial cases reported, 13 national deaths this year, and health officials urge maternal vaccination and hygiene. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panama-launches-rsv-protection-program-for-newborns-after-13-deaths-this-year ### 2026-07-30: RSV activity surges across Latin America, sparking child deaths in Panama and rising cases in Chile RSV caused 13 child deaths in Panama and became Chile's top virus in July 2026, prompting regional vaccination drives and preventive measures. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rsv-dominates-virus-circulation-in-chiles-2026-winter-health-campaign ### 2026-07-27: RSV vaccine for pregnant women launched in Ecuador, also in Brazil Brazil maintains RSV vaccination for pregnant women, while Ecuador launches the vaccine for the first time, aiming to protect newborns from severe respiratory disease. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ecuador-adds-rsv-vaccine-for-pregnant-women-to-national-schedule ### 2026-07-13: Portugal study: RSV kills nearly 20% of hospitalized adults A Portuguese study of 24,000 adult respiratory admissions (2018‑2024) found RSV caused 2,257 cases, with 48.7% developing respiratory failure and a 17.8% in‑hospital death rate, mainly among patients over 60. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-study-rsv-kills-nearly-20-of-hospitalized-adults ### 2026-07-12: Brazil and Argentina roll out Nirsevimab to protect premature infants from RSV Brazil’s Várzea Grande and Argentina’s Córdoba municipalities have started free Nirsevimab programs to shield high‑risk infants from severe RSV infections. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-and-argentina-roll-out-nirsevimab-to-protect-premature-infants-from-rsv ### 2026-07-03: RSV vaccine cuts elderly hospitalizations by 75% in US study US study shows RSV vaccine (Arexvy) reduces elderly hospitalizations by 75.6%, severe cases by 79.1% and deaths by 66.8%; Brazil recommends vaccination for seniors amid rising RSV cases. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rsv-vaccine-cuts-elderly-hospitalizations-by-75-in-us-study ### 2026-06-20: Dominican Republic launches new monoclonal antibody for RSV and long‑acting HIV injection Dominican Republic adds Nirsevimab for RSV protection of high‑risk infants and prepares to roll out bi‑annual Lenacapavir injections for HIV prevention, both offered free in public health facilities. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-launches-new-monoclonal-antibody-for-rsv-and-longacting-hiv-injection ### 2026-06-18: Argentina and Dominican Republic introduce Nirsevimab monoclonal antibody for RSV protection in infants Argentina’s San Juan province and the Dominican Republic health ministries have each adopted the monoclonal antibody Nirsevimab, offering season‑long RSV protection to high‑risk infants with a single dose. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-and-dominican-republic-introduce-nirsevimab-monoclonal-antibody-for-rsv-protection-in-infa ### 2026-06-10: RSV universal prophylaxis with monoclonal antibody reduces hospitalizations in Italy RSV monoclonal‑antibody prophylaxis, now used universally in Italy, offers immediate protection for infants, cutting severe bronchiolitis cases and easing pediatric ICU strain. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rsv-universal-prophylaxis-with-monoclonal-antibody-reduces-hospitalizations-in-italy ### 2026-06-07: Australia ramps up RSV vaccination for seniors and expectant mothers An Australian asthma patient’s severe RSV case underscores the risk, while the AMA promotes funded RSV vaccines for seniors, Indigenous adults, and pregnant women, citing 587 deaths and a 9% drop in child cases 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-ramps-up-rsv-vaccination-for-seniors-and-expectant-mothers ### 2026-06-05: RSV Prevention Advances: South Korea approves MSD's Encloncia; Australia expands vaccine program South Korea approves MSD's Encloncia monoclonal antibody for infant RSV prevention; Australia expands RSV vaccine access for seniors, Indigenous adults, and pregnant women during Awareness Week. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rsv-prevention-advances-south-korea-approves-msds-encloncia-australia-expands-vaccine-program ### 2026-06-01: Australia expands RSV vaccine access for older adults Australian pharmacists can give a single‑dose RSV vaccine to adults 60+ without a GP script, protecting older adults for at least two seasons and cutting severe illness risk. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-expands-rsv-vaccine-access-for-older-adults ### 2026-05-23: RSV Vaccine Reduces Hospital Stays for Seniors in Danish Study A Danish study of 131,000 seniors shows the RSVpreF vaccine lowered cardiorespiratory hospitalizations by 9.9%, highlighting broader benefits of RSV prevention for older adults. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rsv-vaccine-reduces-hospital-stays-for-seniors-in-danish-study ### 2026-05-22: Italy's RSV vaccine could cut unnecessary antibiotics, says expert Marco Falcone Italy's RSV cases lead to 50‑75% unnecessary antibiotic use; expert Marco Falcone urges wider RSV, flu and pneumococcal vaccination to curb resistance. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italys-rsv-vaccine-could-cut-unnecessary-antibiotics-says-expert-marco-falcone --- Cite as: Global RSV vaccine and antibody rollout expands. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rsv-vaccination-shown-to-lower-unnecessary-antibiotic-use-and-senior-hospitalizations