From January 1, 2025, the Abrysvo vaccine, intended to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, will be reimbursed for pregnant women. Administered during pregnancy, this vaccine allows the mother to transmit antibodies to the fetus, providing protection against RSV from birth.
“Too many infants are still affected by RSV in our country. By reimbursing this vaccine, we are protecting the youngest while alleviating the pressure on our hospitals during the winter,” declared Frank Vandenbroucke, outgoing Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health.
RSV is the leading cause of respiratory tract infections in young children. It can progress to serious forms such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia, sometimes requiring hospitalization. Each year, around 7,000 cases are recorded by Sciensano in Belgium, mainly between October and March.
In March 2023, Minister Frank Vandenbroucke asked the Higher Health Council to make recommendations on the use of antibodies against the RSV virus. Due to the high morbidity burden in infants and the severity of the infection, the Superior Health Council supports the prevention of RSV for all infants under one year of age:
- Either by using the maternal vaccine (ABRYSVO) for women whose delivery is planned during the RSV season (from September to March). The Superior Health Council considers the period of 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy as the recommended interval for vaccination of the mother.
- Either by administering the drug Beyfortus to babies born to unvaccinated mothers or born prematurely (
However, only one treatment will be reimbursed: either the maternal vaccine or the medicine for the baby.
This decision is part of a global prevention strategy to reduce respiratory infections in infants and limit pressure on the health system.
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