Given that the circulation of RSV intensifies between March and April, the Ministry of Health of the Nation established that the start of vaccination must take place during the first days of January. This anticipation allows for an expanded window of protection and ensures that a greater number of newborns reach the peak virus circulation season with conferred immunity. The end date will be established according to the monitoring of virus circulation. The strategy is carried out in coordination with the jurisdictions, while the Ministry of Health of the Nation was responsible for acquiring and distributing the necessary doses to reach the target population and for setting the start and end dates of the campaign. The implementation of the strategy is the responsibility of the jurisdictions, which must guarantee that the vaccines are available in the health centers of their territories, while it was recalled that no medical order is required for its application and it is only necessary to present proof of the week of gestation when attending the vaccination center. The RSV vaccine was authorized by ANMAT for use in this population group after demonstrating its quality, efficacy, and safety attributes, and its application during pregnancy allows the transfer of antibodies to the baby, generating effective protection against bronchiolitis and pneumonia, two of the main causes of hospitalization in children under one year. The strategy implemented in 2025 was recognized internationally and allowed reaching 65% of the target population, while preliminary results evidenced a 62% reduction in hospitalizations and a 70% reduction in admissions to intensive care in infants under six months, consolidating the health impact of this preventive policy.
RSV constitutes the main cause of acute lower respiratory infections in infants and is responsible for a high burden of disease, with a direct impact on hospitalizations and demand for care in pediatric services. Buenos Aires, January 12 (NA) -- Vaccination against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) began today in all jurisdictions of the country, as established by the Ministry of Health of the Nation, and the strategy is aimed at pregnant women who are between weeks 32 and 36 of gestation, with the objective of strengthening the immunity of newborns from the first day of life, anticipating the circulation of the virus during the winter season. According to a report accessed by the Argentine News Agency, both the start and end dates of vaccination respond to a decision based on epidemiological data. Having this preventive tool represents a significant advance to protect children from 0 to 6 months, reduce serious complications, and contribute to decompressing the health pressure during the winter season.
