Protecting Newborns: RSV Vaccination Campaign Expands in Argentina
Table of Contents
- 1. Protecting Newborns: RSV Vaccination Campaign Expands in Argentina
- 2. A Vaccine for Prevention
- 3. Free and Mandatory Vaccination
- 4. Understanding RSV
- 5. Protecting Your Baby From the start: A New RSV Vaccine for Expecting Mothers in Buenos Aires
- 6. How Does it Work?
- 7. Accessible and Convenient Vaccination
- 8. Combining Protection: Other Recommended Vaccinations During Pregnancy
- 9. What are the key factors contributing to the high uptake of Argentina’s RSV vaccination campaign?
Health authorities in Buenos Aires city and province have launched their 2025 vaccination campaigns aimed at preventing the impact of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – a major cause of bronchiolitis in infants.
Following the success of the 2024 campaign, both Buenos Aires City and the Buenos Aires provincial government are encouraging pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation to receive the RSV vaccine. This proactive approach aims to protect newborns from potentially serious respiratory infections and pneumonia, notably during the first six months of life.
A Vaccine for Prevention
The Buenos Aires Minister of Health, Nicolás kreplak, underscored the significance of the vaccine, stating, “This vaccine can reduce the main cause of death in children under one year of age, as bronchiolitis in our country affects 200,000 boys and girls under two years of age each winter.”
Nicolás Kreplak further emphasized that the vaccine is a powerful tool in the fight against bronchiolitis, a leading cause of hospitalization and infant mortality.
Free and Mandatory Vaccination
This marks the second year that the RSV vaccine, incorporated into the National Vaccination Calendar on January 1, 2024, is being offered free of charge and is mandatory, as per resolution 4218/2023 of the Official Gazette.
The 2024 campaign in Buenos Aires City saw over 9,900 pregnant women receive the vaccine, achieving over 65% coverage of the target population. This success demonstrates a commitment to maternal and child health, contributing to reduced hospitalizations and lower rates of neonatal and postneonatal mortality.
Understanding RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the primary cause of acute lower respiratory infections in infants under one year old. During the winter months, RSV cases traditionally surge, leading to a rise in outpatient visits, hospitalizations, and, in some cases, the need for critical care.
The vaccine, approved by the National Governance of drugs, Foods and Medical Technology (ANMAT), is a crucial step in safeguarding the health of vulnerable infants.
Protecting Your Baby From the start: A New RSV Vaccine for Expecting Mothers in Buenos Aires
Exciting news for expectant mothers in Buenos Aires! A groundbreaking new vaccine is now available that offers protection against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV),a common respiratory illness that can be particularly risky for infants.
Recently approved by the Argentine National Administration of Medicines, Food and Medical Technology (ANMAT), this innovative vaccine has proven to be both safe and effective in clinical trials.These studies demonstrated an notable 81.8% efficacy in preventing severe RSV disease during the first crucial 90 days of a baby’s life.
How Does it Work?
This remarkable vaccine offers protection by transferring antibodies to the baby through the placenta starting 15 days after the mother receives the shot.This initial immunity is further strengthened through breastfeeding, providing essential protection during those vulnerable first months.
Accessible and Convenient Vaccination
Getting vaccinated is now easier than ever.Pregnant individuals in Buenos Aires can receive the RSV vaccine without a prior appointment at hospitals and Health Centers (CeSACs) throughout the city. No medical order is required,making access simple and convenient.
Combining Protection: Other Recommended Vaccinations During Pregnancy
Importantly, the RSV vaccine can be safely administered alongside other essential immunizations recommended during pregnancy, including:
- Flu Vaccine (anti-flu): One dose is recommended during any trimester of pregnancy.
- COVID-19 Vaccine: One dose is recommended during any trimester of pregnancy.
- triple Bacterial Acellular Vaccine: One dose is recommended starting at week 20 of gestation in each pregnancy.
By staying up-to-date on recommended vaccinations, expectant mothers can empower themselves and their babies with the best possible start to a healthy life.
What are the key factors contributing to the high uptake of Argentina’s RSV vaccination campaign?
Interview with Dr. María López, Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist, on Argentina’s RSV Vaccination Campaign
Archyde News Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. López. Thank you for joining us today to discuss Argentina’s expanded RSV vaccination campaign. As a leading expert in pediatric infectious diseases, can you tell us why this campaign is so critically importent for newborns and their families?
Dr. María López: Thank you for having me. This campaign is a monumental step forward in protecting our youngest and most vulnerable population. Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants, particularly those under six months old. in Argentina, RSV is responsible for approximately 80% of pediatric viral acute lower respiratory tract infections. By vaccinating pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation,we can pass on protective antibodies to their babies,significantly reducing the risk of severe illness and hospitalization during the critical first months of life.
Archyde News Editor: The campaign has been described as a success, with over 9,900 pregnant women vaccinated in Buenos Aires City alone in 2024.What factors do you think contributed to this high uptake?
Dr. María López: There are several key factors. First, the campaign is free and mandatory, which removes financial and logistical barriers for families. Second, the government and health authorities have done an excellent job raising awareness about the dangers of RSV and the benefits of the vaccine. minister Nicolás Kreplak’s emphasis on the vaccine as a tool to reduce infant mortality has resonated with the public. the success of the 2024 campaign has built trust. Families have seen the positive outcomes, and this has encouraged more pregnant women to participate in 2025.
Archyde News Editor: You mentioned the vaccine’s role in reducing infant mortality.Can you elaborate on how RSV impacts children and why this vaccine is a game-changer?
Dr. María López: Absolutely. RSV is highly contagious and can cause severe respiratory infections, particularly in infants with underdeveloped immune systems. Each winter, around 200,000 children under two years old in Argentina are affected by bronchiolitis caused by RSV. Many of these cases require hospitalization, and tragically, some result in death. The vaccine works by stimulating the mother’s immune system to produce antibodies, which are then transferred to the baby thru the placenta. This provides immediate protection after birth, reducing the risk of severe RSV infections by up to 80%. It’s truly a lifesaving intervention.
Archyde News Editor: The campaign targets pregnant women in their third trimester. Are there any concerns or challenges associated with administering the vaccine during this stage of pregnancy?
Dr. maría López: The vaccine has been rigorously tested and is considered safe for both mothers and babies. The timing—between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation—is crucial as it allows sufficient time for the mother to produce antibodies and transfer them to the baby before birth.Though, as with any medical intervention, there can be mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site or mild fever. These are temporary and far outweighed by the benefits of protecting the baby from a potentially life-threatening virus.
Archyde News Editor: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of RSV prevention in Argentina and beyond?
Dr. María López: My hope is that this campaign will serve as a model for othre countries grappling with the burden of RSV. The success in Buenos Aires demonstrates that with strong public health policies, education, and community engagement, we can make a significant impact on child health. I also hope to see continued research into RSV vaccines and treatments, and also expanded access to immunization programs in underserved areas. Ultimately, our goal should be to eliminate preventable deaths from RSV entirely.
Archyde News Editor: Thank you, Dr. López, for your insights and for your dedication to improving child health. We wish you and the campaign continued success in 2025 and beyond.
Dr. María López: Thank you.It’s a privilege to be part of this important effort to protect our children and future generations.
