Respiratory syncytial virus vaccine for pregnant women protects babies
A report that analyzes the most current scenario in Brazil in relation to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) pointed out that Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is identified as the main cause of infections in children under 2 years of age, being responsible for around 75% of cases of acute viral bronchiolitis and 40% of pneumonia during seasonal periods.
The document analyzes the circulation of Influenza, SARS-CoV2, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other respiratory viruses of public health importance, aiming to guide guidelines for early diagnosis, prevention, control, timely clinical management and strengthening the response capacity of the Health Care Network (RAS).
In addition, according to Joint Technical Note No. 70/2025, the country is facing a gradual and expected increase in cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), marking the beginning of the season with the highest viral circulation of the year.
According to Fiocruz analysis, cases of SARS due to RSV continue to increase throughout the South region (PR, SC and RS), much of the Southeast (RJ, MG and SP) and in some states in the North (AP, PA and RR), Northeast (AL, CE, MA) and Mato Grosso do Sul. In the states of Acre, Pará, Mato Grosso, Goiás, Distrito Federal, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte, In Sergipe and Espírito Santo, cases of SARS due to RSV remain high, but are already showing signs of stopping growth or falling.
The X-Ray of Viruses in Brazil until March 21, 2026 (Epidemiological Week 11), recorded 23,615 cases of SARS and 1,001 deaths.
The data shows that rhinovirus is the main villain among children and adolescents, while Influenza A has driven hospitalizations in the North and Northeast regions.
Among the elderly, although Covid-19 has an incidence considered low at the moment, it continues to be the main cause of death from respiratory complications among this age group.
The Unified Health System (SUS) reinforced initiatives to address these situations.
As a result, the RSV vaccine for pregnant women aims to protect newborns against respiratory syncytial virus. The strategy focuses on immunizing pregnant women from the 28th week of pregnancy, with the aim of indirectly protecting babies in the first six months of life.
The data highlights that RSV is identified as the main cause of infections in children under 2 years of age, being responsible for around 75% of cases of acute viral bronchiolitis and 40% of pneumonia during seasonal periods.
In Brazil, in 2024 alone, more than 27 thousand cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Srag) due to RSV were reported, with the highest incidence in babies under six months. Worldwide, the virus causes around 100,000 deaths annually in children under 5 years of age.
Cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome increase in young children | CNN PRIME TIME
According to the Ministry of Health, the immunobiological stimulates the production of antibodies in the mother, which are transferred through the placenta to the fetus, providing passive immunity to the newborn. Studies have shown an effectiveness of 81.8% in preventing serious illnesses in the first 90 days after birth and 69.4% up to 180 days. The recommendation is a single dose for each pregnancy, regardless of the mother's age. It is estimated that around 2.5 million women are vaccinated annually in the country
In addition to this immunization, SUS aims to serve the population with the Monoclonal Antibody (Nirsevimab), which is offered to premature babies and children with comorbidities to prevent serious infections. Also Free Antivirals, which guarantee supply for cases of flu and for patients with covid-19 who belong to risk groups.
*Under AR supervision.
Source: CNN