Portugal’s seasonal paediatric protection against respiratory syncytial virus will begin on 16 September, encompassing all newborns and aiming to significantly reduce severe illnesses and hospital admissions during the winter months.
Portugal’s seasonal paediatric protection against respiratory syncytial virus will begin on 16 September, with the national health directorate saying the programme will cover babies born during the campaign period and aim to cut serious illness and hospital admissions. According to the Directorate-General of Health, the scheme will run until 31 March 2027 and will be offered free of charge in maternity units and primary care centres.
The catch-up phase will run from 16 September to 30 October and is intended for children born between 1 April and 15 September this year, as well as premature babies born between 1 January and 31 March who have not already been immunised. The health authority also said the campaign will include children with other risk factors for severe infection.
André Peralta Santos, the deputy director-general of health, said in July that the next campaign would widen eligibility to all babies born within the season, ending the gap that previously left some infants outside the programme for two months of the year. He said that change meant “all newborns” would now be eligible for protection.
Respiratory syncytial virus is a major cause of seasonal respiratory disease in young children, with the highest risk of severe illness in the first months of life, in premature babies and in children with chronic conditions. The DGS said coverage in the last campaign topped 90%, up from 86% in the previous season, suggesting strong uptake of the preventative shot.
Specialists in paediatric infectious diseases have been discussing the growing role of nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody used to prevent RSV in newborns and infants. At a symposium in Coimbra, experts also examined disease burden data from the BARI study, reflecting the continued focus on how best to reduce pressure on hospitals during the winter respiratory season.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
