Lopera calls for infants and newborns to be vaccinated against respiratory syncytial virus

INGESA Territorial Director Jesús Lopera wanted to “promote the so-called vaccination to prevent respiratory infections caused by sinus virus that occur in newborns and infants. This campaign, called the Nirsevimab campaign, is being carried out jointly by the Ministry of Health. of the Autonomous City of Ceuta and INGESA is an antibody, although it acts similar to a vaccine, but in fact it is not a typical vaccine, it is a monoclonal antibody that acts specifically against the respiratory sinus virus,” he notes.

In newborns and infants, this virus “can cause bronchiolitis and cause severe respiratory infections that may even endanger the life of the newborn or infant. The first campaign began in 2023 with impressive results.” It began in 2023 from October 6 to March. 14, where 302 boys and girls were born.”

Of these 302 boys and girls, NIRSEVIMAD was prescribed to 258 newborns, and 44 refused its administration, representing 14%. With these data, we can say that in 2023, the incidence of respiratory sinusitis viral infection decreased by 80 people in newborns and infants. % compared to previous years when this drug did not exist. The results were impressive. This is a medicine that is administered intramuscularly.

As for the side effects, “they are minor in terms of the type of skin rash, type of swelling in the injection area and slight fever, which can be relieved with general and simple measures. This means that it is a safe medicine for patients. In this regard, the idea is to promote 100% vaccination,” says Lopera.