In the fall, they significantly increase cases of respiratory diseases among young children – especially those caused by the respiratory sincial virus (VSR), mainly responsible for bronchiolitis and other serious airway infections.

According to the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation’s Bulletin Infogipe (Fiocruz), released in April, there was significant growth in cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SRAG) associated with VSR in virtually all of Brazil, expecting intensification during winter. In Minas Gerais, for example, the state government decreed public health emergency in the face of increased cases.

VACINATION AGAINST VSR during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a period of great transformations and vulnerabilities. Among essential care with the pregnant woman’s health, Vaccination plays a central role – protecting not only the mother but also the baby, especially in the first months of life, when the immune system is under development. One of the most relevant vaccines in this context is against the VSR, recently approved for pregnant women, which represents an important advance in the prevention of bronchiolitis.

“Vaccinating pregnant women is one of the most effective ways to protect newborns against serious diseases, especially in the early months of life. The introduction of VSR vaccine significantly expands our prevention arsenal to avoid bronchiolitis cases, which can lead to hospitalizations in small babies,” says Dr. Ligia Pierrotti, high-diagnostic infectologist, exam and image laboratory.

PROTATION BEGINS BEFORE BIRTH

Bronchiolitis is a potentially severe viral respiratory infection, common in newborns and small babies. It can evolve rapidly to respiratory difficulty, often requiring hospitalization or even in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit).

The respiratory sintended virus vaccine is approved in the country for use between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation. It allows the mother to produce antibodies that cross the placenta and Protect the baby Soon after birth – even before it can be vaccinated directly. This strategy creates a temporary “immune shield”, significantly reducing the risk of VSR hospitalizations and complications in the first months of life.

Other vaccines recommended in pregnancy

In addition to immunization against VSR, other vaccines are essential in prenatal care, as they also allow the transfer of maternal antibodies to the baby, either during pregnancy or by breast milk after delivery. They are:

Immunizant role Beyfortus

In addition to vaccination of pregnant women, a new prevention strategy has been available in Brazil since the beginning of this year: Beyfortus. Unlike vaccines, the immunizer (nrysevimab) is a monoclonal antibody that provides the babyThrough an injection, antibodies ready to neutralize the VSR, without having to produce the body itself to produce this defense.

“This breakthrough is especially relevant for babies who have risk factors or born outside vaccine coverage, ensuring an extra security layer for families,” explains Dr. Rosana Ritchmann, infectologist at Delboni and Solomon Zoppi.

Beyfortus is suitable for:

• Newborns and babies under 2;
• For all children, especially those with greater risk of developing serious cases.

Vaccination during pregnancy plays an important role for the protection of both mother and baby, contributing to the reduction of risks associated with potentially serious infections such as bronchiolitis and other preventable diseases.

By Fernanda Quinta