New Preventive Remedies in Belgium: Maternal Vaccine and Monoclonal Antibody Recommendations by Superior Health Council

2023-12-21 15:00:00

Two new preventive remedies will appear in Belgium: a vaccine for pregnant women and a new monoclonal antibody, to be injected into infants. The Superior Health Council has decided to recommend one or the other without further delay. “We were really waiting for these new methods with great impatience.” rejoices Sophie Blumental.

The maternal vaccine (Abrysvo) received authorization from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) last August and might already be available this year. The CSS recommends an injection between the 28th and 36th week of pregnancy, i.e. at the end of pregnancy, which would have the effect of protecting the baby until the age of 6 months, reducing the risk of severe infection by 69% and hospitalization, by 57%. Women whose delivery is planned before the end of March 2024 might therefore already be affected by the administration of this vaccine.

Regarding the monoclonal antibody (Beyfortus) intended for babies, it received authorization from the EMA in 2022 and consists of a single injection, reducing the risk of infection by 75% and that of hospitalization by 79%.

In both cases, the objective of these new therapeutic tools is that the infant receives antibodies either via the administration of a dose of the new product following birth, or via vaccination of the mother during pregnancy.

This prevention is strongly encouraged by the Superior Health Council for all infants under one year old and for children aged 1 to 2 years presenting high risks of serious infections.

1703293562
#methods #Belgium #protect #babies #bronchiolitis