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Health

Groundbreaking Vaccine Against Infant Bronchiolitis Approved in France

Friday 14 June 2024 - 14:20

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In a significant stride towards combating infant bronchiolitis, the French National Authority for Health (Haute Autorité de Santé, HAS) has granted approval for the first-ever vaccine targeting this debilitating condition. Designed for pregnant women in their third trimester, this pioneering vaccine will be available on the French market starting in September 2023, following its initial authorization for European Union-wide distribution in August 2023.

Marking a pivotal moment in the fight against bronchiolitis, this vaccine represents the first prophylactic measure endorsed by the HAS since the monoclonal antibody approved in 2023 for immunizing infants directly.

According to the HAS, the newly sanctioned vaccine holds the promise of reducing the incidence of bronchiolitis among infants, an infection primarily caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and affecting nearly 30% of children under two years of age annually.

Clinical trials have yielded compelling results, demonstrating "a significant reduction in severe RSV-related respiratory infections: 81.8% at 3 months and 69.4% at 6 months" following the administration of this groundbreaking vaccine.

Furthermore, the HAS communication notes a concurrent decline in hospitalizations, with "a 67.7% reduction at 3 months and 56.8% at 6 months." Notably, no severe adverse events have been reported in either mothers or newborns in connection with the vaccine.

"With the arrival of this vaccine, parents will have the choice, starting in September, between two options to protect their infants against RSV-caused infections," the HAS highlighted, underscoring the vaccine's advantage over its predecessor in eliminating the need for direct infant injections while providing protection from birth.

This landmark approval heralds a new era in the battle against bronchiolitis, offering expectant mothers a powerful tool to safeguard their infants' well-being and potentially alleviate the substantial burden this condition places on families and healthcare systems alike.