The Figaro looks back at these vaccines used to protect infants, while doses are now available in pharmacies.
Last year, there was a shortage of doses of vaccines against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes bronchiolitis in babies. This will not be the case this year: doses should be available in sufficient numbers, starting now in pharmacies. The Figaro takes stock.
- Two vaccines instead of one this winter
This year, parents have the choice between two options to protect their child against bronchiolitis, when only one vaccine, Beyfortus, was available last year. The latter faces competition this year from Abrysvo from the American Pfizer, authorized to be placed on the European market in August 2023.
The two vaccines are not intended for the same populations, although they both protect infants. The first is given to infants and children up to 2 years of age, while the second is intended for pregnant women who want to protect their unborn baby. Pregnant women should be vaccinated between the 32nd and 36th week of pregnancy.
Beyfortus has proven its worth in protecting infants. According to Public Health France, its effectiveness in real life is estimated at between 76% and 81%. Its administration prevented 5,800 hospitalizations last year.
The Abrysvo has the advantage of avoiding an injection for newborns, who are protected from birth. According to the HAS, the Pfizer vaccine could be more resistant to possible mutations of the virus. However, its effectiveness decreases over time. Maximum during the first three months (81.8%), it gradually decreases to reach 56.8% at six months.
- Two very expensive vaccines
Last year, Beyfortus was made available to families through a state stockpile. The cost of the vaccine was 3.57 euros, 100% covered by health insurance.
It will not be the same this year, the two available vaccines being both very expensive. In maternity, Beyfortus and Abrysvo are delivered without advance payment. In city pharmacies, however, Beyfortus costs 401.80 euros, reimbursable up to 30% by health insurance. The remaining cost for families reaches 281.26 euros.
In a city pharmacy, Abrysvo costs 196.10 euros, 100% covered by maternity insurance.
- No shortage expected
In one year, Sanofi and AstraZeneca have beefed up production of their Beyfortus, quantities of which were limited last year. While only 250,000 babies were able to be vaccinated during the winter of 2023-2024, the two laboratories have planned nearly 600,000 doses for this winter – the quantity deemed necessary by the General Directorate of Health. “Sanofi and the health authorities have taken into account the strong demand of last year,” the French laboratory specifies. The common objective is to protect 85% of infants in 2024, whether they were born before or during the RSV circulation season.”.
Last year, the rate of parental compliance with vaccination against RSV, which causes bronchiolitis, reached 80%, while the authorities were expecting 30%.
- Bronchiolitis, a disease that can be serious
The virus affects about 30% of infants each year. “Even if bronchiolitis is most often benign with spontaneous healing in 5 to 10 days, it sometimes presents severe forms, underlines the High Authority of Health. The winter epidemic thus constitutes a source of worry for parents and represents a significant burden for the pediatric care system, for city health professionals as well as for hospitals”During the winter of 2022-2023, a triple epidemic of flu, Covid and bronchiolitis contributed to overcrowding emergency services.
