Early lessons from the implementation of universal respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis in infants with long-acting monoclonal antibodies, Galicia, Spain, September and October 2023

Euro Surveill. 2023 Dec;28(49):2300606. doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2023.28.49.2300606.

Abstract

A monoclonal antibody for universal respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis in infants has recently been licensed. We share our experiences of integrating nirsevimab into the regional immunisation programme in Galicia, Spain. After a 3-week hospital-based immunisation campaign with flexible individualised appointments and educational activities, nirsevimab uptake was 97.5% in the high-risk group, 81.4% in the catch-up group and 92.6% in infants born during the campaign. This successful implementation strategy can serve as a model and may inform other countries' programmatic deliberations.

Keywords: Respiratory Syncytial Virus; immunoprophylaxis; implementation; long-acting monoclonal antibodies; nirsevimab.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Palivizumab / therapeutic use
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections* / prevention & control
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Viruses
  • Spain

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Palivizumab
  • Antiviral Agents