Preventive Treatment for RSV Virus to be Offered for Free to Infants in Quebec
A new injectable medication to prevent respiratory infections caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) will be offered for free to infants in Quebec starting this fall. The Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services announced that the first deliveries of the medication are expected to arrive by early September.
Who Will Be Eligible for the Medication?
All infants under 6 months of age will be eligible during the RSV season, which typically starts in the fall and peaks in the winter. Outside of the season, the medication will be reserved for vulnerable infants under 6 months of age who have an increased risk of complications. Newborns are the most likely to suffer from virus complications.
How Does the Medication Work and its Efficacy?
The medication, which contains the nirsevimab antibody, will be administered as a single dose intramuscular injection to newborns. The antibodies generated in the laboratory act as a barrier to decrease the risk of infection. Clinical studies have shown that children treated with the antibody had a 70% lower risk of developing an RSV infection than those treated with a placebo. The side effects of nirsevimab are minimal, with mild pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site being reported.
The RSV virus circulates annually during the cold season, causing lung and respiratory tract infections. While healthy adults and children may experience cold-like symptoms, infants and immunocompromised children face more severe consequences like bronchiolitis and pneumonia, often requiring hospitalization.
In addition to this new medication, other preventive measures such as palivizumab, a monoclonal antibody, and a vaccine administered during pregnancy are available to protect infants from the virus. It is crucial to take necessary steps to safeguard infants from RSV infections.