Categories: Health

The Valencian Community immunizes 19,122 minors against respiratory syncytial virus.

The Valencian Community Health Department has already administered the vaccinations. 19,122 minors against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)the main cause of bronchiolitis in infants. This second immunization campaign, started on October 1st last yeargoals reduce severe cases of bronchiolitis in children and avoid possible complications caused by RSV infection..

Specific groups for immunization

The campaign is aimed at two specific groups: Infants born between April 2024 and March 2025, as well as children under two years of age with risk pathologies, are considered especially vulnerable. In terms of distribution by province, they have been vaccinated to date. 2,260 minors in Castellon, 9,783 in Valencia and 7,079 in Alicante.

showing the wide reach of the initiative throughout the community.

RSV is known to affect young children, especially children under one year of age, in whom This is one of the main reasons for hospitalization.. In addition to bronchiolitis, this infection can cause other respiratory problems and bacterial diseases such as pneumonia And otitis. According to the Ministry of Health, vaccinations last season reduced the number of hospitalizations for bronchiolitis by 85%and RSV-related pediatric primary care visits.

Immunization campaign

The immunization campaign against RSV will last until March 31, 2025. To facilitate the process, the Ministry of Health has arranged for doses to be administered in hospital maternity wards, allowing parents to immunize their children before leaving the hospital, as well as at health centres. throughout the Valencian Community. In maternity hospitals, immunization coverage has already reached 90.9%.which represents an important step forward in the prevention of this respiratory disease among babies.

Today, 3,781 newborn children were vaccinated in hospitals.including those born before the start of the campaign. In addition, a large number of vaccinations have been registered. in medical centersWhere 15,341 infants received vaccination dosewhich demonstrates the acceptance and reach of the program throughout the community.

Immunization coverage

Among minors with risk pathologies such as congenital heart defects or bronchopulmonary dysplasia, as well as those born prematurely at a gestational age of less than 35 weeks, in total 1030 people were vaccinated to date. This group is considered particularly vulnerable to serious complications from bronchiolitis and other respiratory infections caused by RSV.

Last year’s immunization campaign received excellent recognition as More than 34 thousand minors have been vaccinated.

in the Valencian Community, reaching Coverage is 95% in maternity hospitals and 90% for those born between April and September 2023.. This coverage has reduced the incidence of bronchiolitis and other respiratory complications associated with RSV in young children by more than 80%.