Bogotá will vaccinate against the pediatric respiratory virus RSV: Who is it for and how does it work?
Bogotá has just taken a step that positions it on the global public health innovation map. With the arrival of 3,800 doses of the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab (Beyfortus).
TL;DR
- Bogotá is the first city globally to autonomously implement a hybrid immunization strategy against RSV.
- The strategy uses its own funds and combines maternal vaccination with nirsevimab monoclonal antibody for newborns.
- Nirsevimab provides immediate protection as it contains pre-formed antibodies, crucial for infants with immature immune systems.
- The biological will be distributed through the district's central depot to health networks and EPS Compensar.
- Priority is given to newborns between 33-35 weeks gestation not eligible for palivizumab, and infants from 36 weeks whose mothers did not receive vaccination.
- Special cases, including infants of immunosuppressed mothers and those with complex respiratory or cardiac conditions, are also included.
- Bogotá acquired this technology with its own resources, making it a pioneer in the programmatic adoption of innovative RSV tools.
- The measure aims to save lives and reduce infant complications and mortality, with RSV being a major cause of hospitalization in children under five in Colombia.