Finland introduces new antibody treatment for infants against respiratory syncytial virus

Health officials indicate that in Finland, a newly developed antibody against the RS virus will be provided to infants under three months of age starting in late October to November. Additionally, nirsevimab will be offered to certain high-risk groups of infants under one year old who are susceptible to severe RSV infections. This long-acting nirsevimab is administered as a single intramuscular injection and has been specifically developed to prevent RSV infections in recent years. It provides significant protection against severe RSV infections throughout the winter epidemic season.

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of respiratory infections that result in hospitalization among young children globally. In Finland, approximately 1,000 infants under one year old are hospitalized each year due to RSV infections. The recent winter season saw a milder RSV epidemic compared to previous years.

At HUS, newborns will receive the treatment during their discharge check-up at the maternity hospital. According to HUS, in Uusimaa, Helsinki, and surrounding welfare districts, preparations are underway to administer the new antibody to infants under three months who have not received it at birth, as well as to infants under one year old belonging to high-risk groups.