Protecting infants against RSV from Day 1: Insi...

Protecting infants against RSV begins before birth. At a Pfizer-sponsored symposium during ESCMID Global 2026, experts reviewed the latest evidence on maternal RSV immunization, including disease burden, effectiveness, safety, and implementation. Presentations by Professors Marta Nunes, Paolo Manzoni, and Dr Olivia Anselem highlighted how maternal vaccination protects against severe RSV disease in early infancy. Professor Beate Kampmann chaired the session.

RSV burden highest during first 3 months of life

Professor Marta Nunes emphasized that infants younger than 6 months bear a disproportionate share of severe RSV disease. “Of all RSV-related deaths, 45 percent occur in infants younger than 6 months of age,” said Nunes. “Our goal is not simply to prevent RSV infection, but to protect these very young infants from severe disease.”

Among infants hospitalized with RSV, approximately one-third require intensive care, and more than half of RSV hospitalization costs are incurred in the first 3 months of life. [BMC Infect Dis 2025;25:1621]

*Healthcare professionals should refer to the locally approved prescribing information for the appropriate indication.

Resources

Protecting infants against RSV from Day 1: Insights from ESCMID Global 2026