The role of nirsevimab in the prevention of severe RSV infections in newborns and infants
Authors:
Z. Straňák
Authors‘ workplace:
Neonatologická klinika ÚPMD a 3. LF UK, Praha
Published in:
Čes-slov Neonat 2026; 32 (1): 68-75.
Category:
Overview
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common respiratory viruses infecting infants and young children. By 2 years of age, most children will have been infected. RSV can cause severe lung infections, which may require hospitalization and intensive care admission, and can be fatal. Two new strategies have recently been approved and recommended for the prevention of severe RSV infection in infants. The first is the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab (BEYFORTUS; Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.), which is administered once during the RSV season and offers direct passive antibody protection for the duration of that season. The second is the RSVpreF vaccine (ABRYSVO; Pfizer). This vaccine is administered in the third trimester (between 32 and 36 weeks gestation) of pregnancy, to provide infants with passive protection via transplacental antibody transfer to the fetus. The study used data from the French National Health Data System revealed that compared with maternal vaccination with the RSVpreF vaccine, passive infant immunization with nirsevimab was associated with lower risks of RSV-related hospitalization and severe outcomes. Both strategies are accepted and provided in the vast majority of European countries including the Czech Republic, where nirsevimab has been available and fully reimbursed since October 2025.
Keywords:
prevention – hospitalization – nirsevimab – RSV infection – RSVpreF vaccine
Sources
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Neonatology Neonatal NurseArticle was published in
Czech and Slovak Neonatology
2026 Issue 1
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