RSV Vaccination: New Study Compares Effectiveness of Nirsevimab adn maternal Vaccination
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Recent research has compared the effectiveness of two strategies for preventing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in infants: direct immunization with nirsevimab and indirect immunization through maternal vaccination.A study conducted by the GIS EPI-PHARE group analyzed data to determine which approach offers greater protection against RSV-related hospitalizations.
Understanding RSV Prevention strategies
Currently, two primary methods are recommended to protect infants from severe RSV:
- Direct Immunization: Management of the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab (Beyfortus) directly to newborns or infants.
- Indirect immunization: Vaccination of pregnant women (between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation) with Abrysvo, which transfers antibodies to the baby.
Study Findings: Nirsevimab Demonstrates Higher Effectiveness
The EPI-PHARE study, the first of its kind to directly compare these two strategies, analyzed data from France’s national health data system (SNDS) covering the 2024-2025 season. The study included over 42,000 infants born between September and December 2024, matched one-to-one based on receiving nirsevimab or having a vaccinated mother.
Researchers tracked hospitalizations for RSV infection, finding a total of 481 cases:
- 212 hospitalizations in the nirsevimab group
- 269 hospitalizations in the maternal vaccination group
The results indicated that immunization with nirsevimab was associated with a 26% lower risk of hospitalization for RSV infection compared to maternal vaccination with Abrysvo. Moreover, nirsevimab demonstrated superior results in reducing:
- Admissions to intensive care or pediatric intensive care units (42% reduction)
- The need for oxygen therapy (44% reduction)
- The need for intubation (43% reduction)
Both Strategies Remain Highly Effective
Despite the findings, health authorities emphasize that both prevention strategies are highly effective. The National agency for the safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) reports that both approaches have an effectiveness rate between 65% and 85% in reducing hospitalizations for bronchiolitis in infants. CDC
Researchers note that maternal vaccination remains a valuable option when systematic administration of nirsevimab is not feasible, and that both strategies are complementary in maximizing vaccination coverage.
Crucial Considerations
The study focused on hospitalization rates and did not assess the safety profiles of the two strategies. Researchers emphasize that a comprehensive evaluation must consider the risks associated with each product. CDC
RSV Vaccination Recommendations
The CDC recommends RSV vaccination for all adults ages 75 and older and for adults ages 50-74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV.To protect infants from severe RSV, the CDC recommends an RSV vaccine for pregnant women (pfizer’s Abrysvo) or an infant RSV antibody given to the baby. CDC
published: 2026/01/06 22:08:42
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