All newborns in Sweden offered RSV antibodies from 10 September

All newborns in Sweden will be offered protective antibodies against RSV from 10 September, the Public Health Agency says.

The nationwide offer will be made on maternity wards after birth and is expected to continue until the RSV season ends, usually in April or May. The antibodies protect for about six months. Certain older children at high risk of severe infection are also eligible.

Preliminary agency data show hospital care among babies under six months fell by about 82 percent last season compared with the season before. Seven children in that age group needed intensive care, down from 45.

About 87 percent of parents accepted the offer last season. The agency cautions that the RSV season was also milder, although it says the antibodies were the main reason fewer infants needed hospital care.

RSV usually causes cold-like symptoms, but can lead to serious breathing problems or pneumonia in infants. From 1 November, confirmed RSV infections will become notifiable by healthcare providers, improving national follow-up.

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