The maternal vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus will be reimbursed for pregnant women from January 1, 2025, according to Minister Frank Vandenbroucke. The number of hospitalizations drops considerably when the mother is vaccinated.
RSV is the leading cause of respiratory tract infections in young children. It occurs mainly during the baby’s first year of life and can lead to hospitalization in severe cases or even death. It is also likely to develop into pneumonia or bronchiolitis.
The scientific public health institute Sciensano records around 7,000 cases of RSV infection annually in Belgium.
Vaccinating pregnant women helps produce antibodies that protect them against RSV and which are transmitted to the baby, explains the minister. “There are still too many babies infected with RSV in our country”he adds. “Every winter, hospitals are under pressure due to numerous respiratory infections. By now reimbursing the vaccine, not only are we protecting little ones, but we are also reducing the pressure on our care.”
The Superior Health Council considers the period of 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy as the recommended interval for vaccination.
This summer, Minister Frank Vandenbroucke had already decided to reimburse preventive medication against RSV for babies.
