The first batch of infant respiratory syncytial virus "preventive injections" in Guangdong province have been launched
2024-08-27
The first batch of monoclonal antibodies against respiratory syncytial virus in infants will be administered in Guangzhou on the 26th. Experts suggest that infants under 1 year old should receive prophylactic monoclonal antibodies before the outbreak season to provide necessary immune protection. Respiratory syncytial virus is one of the most common pathogens causing lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children worldwide, especially in infants and young children where the infection and severity rates are relatively high. Liu Tiantian, Deputy Director of Pediatrics at Guangzhou United Family Hospital, stated that the initial symptoms of contracting the syncytial virus are coughing, nasal congestion, and runny nose. This can lead to the development of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in the lower respiratory tract. The most common symptoms are wheezing, as well as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and hypoxia. "Especially in infants and young children under the age of one, the risk of developing a lower respiratory tract infection is relatively higher, and the consequences are more serious, as respiratory failure may occur. Dr. Wu Fan, the head of the neonatology department at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, introduced that there are certain differences in the seasons of respiratory syncytial virus outbreaks between the south and north. In the north, it becomes popular after November every year and lasts until April of the following year, which is the epidemic season; while in the south, it is distributed throughout the year, but there are two small peaks, one in winter and another in the rainy season from spring to early summer. In Guangdong, there are basically two small peaks, and it can be distributed throughout the year. According to statistics, respiratory syncytial virus infection accounts for a high proportion of hospitalized cases in infants and young children, and may have long-term effects after infection. Therefore, finding effective preventive measures has become an important issue that urgently needs to be addressed in the medical field. It is reported that the application for the new drug of Nixavir monoclonal antibody injection was approved by the National Medical Products Administration in December 2023, and is suitable for preventing lower respiratory tract infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus in newborns and infants who are about to enter or born in the first season of respiratory syncytial virus infection. Wu Fan suggests that it is more appropriate to vaccinate children with Nixivirumab before the outbreak season of respiratory syncytial virus, especially in southern regions such as Guangdong. Winter and rainy seasons are the peak periods for respiratory syncytial virus infection, so parents can consider vaccinating their children around October and November. In addition, he also stressed that although the possibility of infection could not be completely ruled out after vaccination, the risk of severe cases would be reduced, similar to the role of COVID-19 vaccine in preventing severe cases. Li Jin, Director of the Pharmacy Department at Guangzhou United Family Hospital, stated that currently, the supply of Nixavir monoclonal antibody is relatively stable, and the hospital has also stated that it will pay attention to vaccination demand to ensure the adequacy of drug supply. Li Jin emphasized that based on existing evidence-based medicine evidence, the average effective duration of this monoclonal antibody is 6 months, while clinical trials in Spain have reported an effective performance of up to 11 months, which can basically cover high-risk stages. For infants with high-risk factors, such as premature infants or children with immune system defects, parents should administer intramuscular injections as early as possible based on the child's actual condition and the doctor's advice. (New Society)
Edit:HAN ZHUOLING Responsible editor:CAICAI
Source:chinanews.com
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