The first vaccination campaign to immunise infants with antibodies against the RS virus was extremely well received, says Dr Isabel De La Fuente Garcia from the paediatric clinic.
Until 1 March children were vaccinated at birth at their parents' consent. The campaign is due to continue next autumn, by which time a new vaccination will be available.
The CHL was able to achieve an immunisation rate of over 90 percent, as the RS virus was on the move a lot from October to December. This is particularly good news as it enables the efficient introduction of a new drug which will provide children with antibodies, says paediatrician Dr De La Fuente Garcia.
So far, the drug has been well accepted and the result has also been seen in the figures. The clinic has registered 70 percent fewer hospitalisations in infants up to 6 months of age.
As we enter spring, immunisation is no longer necessary as the virus is not circulating as strongly. Nonetheless, given the experience with the drug seems so positive, the clinic will continue this treatment all the way until autumn.
There is also a vaccination for pregnant women, explains Dr De La Fuente Garcia. The mother develops the necessary antibodies through the vaccination and passes them on to the unborn child. Such a vaccination is also recommended for whooping cough. This cough can even be fatal, especially for infants.
As far as the RS virus is concerned, Dr De La Fuente recommends protecting children, especially in the first 6 months of life. For this reason, it is also advisable to protect children born now with the medication before the beginning of autumn.
© RTL
