RSV Vaccination for Children is Being Expanded

The "Beyfortus" vaccine has so far been used exclusively in newborns, but now infants weighing up to five kilograms can also be treated. In mid-February, the RSV vaccination will also be extended to heavier babies, the Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday. The manufacturer Sanofi-Aventis has announced a delivery of higher-dose preparations in February.

RSV Vaccination Gradually for All Infants Up to the First Year of Life

"After we have ensured the supply for newborns, we can now gradually protect all infants up to the first year of life from a severe course of disease," emphasized Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens). The RSV vaccination is handled by the federal states and is free for children. Every year in Austria, several thousand children are estimated to contract the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The symptoms range from cough, fever and middle ear infection to severe breathing problems. In infants, RSV is the main cause of acute bronchiolitis, which often has to be treated in hospital.

(APA/Red)

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