المملكة: With an effectiveness of up to 80%.. Launch of the newborn immunization program against "Respiratory syncytium"-urgent

The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Population Health, Dr. Abdullah Asiri, confirmed the start of the immunization program against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) For all births from the first of November, in a step that is considered pioneering at the regional level.

He said that the program aims to protect infants from shortness of breath and complications of infection, which are the primary reason for their placement in wards and intensive care during the fall and winter seasons..

Dr. Asiri explained that the launch of the program represents a qualitative leap in protecting newborns from one of the most widespread and dangerous viruses for this age group, stressing that the effectiveness of immunization reaches 80%, God willing, in reducing cases of hospitalization and reducing health complications for the infant and the family.

He pointed out that the program is the largest immunization program of its kind against Respiratory syncytial virus outside Europe and the Americas, which reflects the readiness of the health sector and its ability to adopt the latest preventive interventions globally, and provide them within the health care system in the Kingdom, to enhance public health and raise the level of protection for newborns.

For its part, the Ministry of Health explained that the respiratory syncytial virus is one of the most common causes of respiratory infections among children and infants, as it attacks The upper and lower respiratory tract and may lead to severe infections of the larynx and lungs, especially in newborns and neonates. The virus is transmitted through droplets during coughing and sneezing, or through touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth, which makes its spread widespread during the peak season."LTR">.

The Ministry indicates that more than 90% of children are infected with the virus at least once before they reach the age of two years, and that its spread season peaks during the fall and winter months, specifically in November, December and January, before infections begin to gradually decline in February and March.

The Ministry confirms that The preventive serumthat was provided provides a strong layer of protection for newborns through a single dose whose effectiveness extends throughout the season of the spread of the virus, ensuring protection of infants during the most active period of the virus. The preventive program provides the dose for all newborns, in addition to the most vulnerable groups, which raises their level of immunity and reduces the occurrence of severe cases that require hospitalization.

The Ministry of Health shows that clinical comparisons between children who received the vaccine and those who did not show clear differences in the need for medical care, as the non-immunized groups record higher percentages of need for care, while this percentage decreases to 20% only in children who received the serum, which reflects the high effectiveness of the serum in reducing complications and the risk of hospitalization.

The Ministry adds that the proven effectiveness of the preventive serum indicates a decrease of up to 80%in hospitalizations associated with syncytial virus among children who received immunization, which is an important achievement in promoting public health and protecting the most vulnerable groups.

The Ministry of Health confirms that the preventive vaccine has become available in all hospitals and maternity departments starting November 1, which contributes to providing early protection for newborns and facilitating families’ access to immunization before the start of the winter season, in a step that confirms the health system’s commitment to enhancing prevention and reducing the burden of respiratory diseases among children.