Panama’s Ministry of Health (Minsa) has launched the rollout of nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody designed to prevent severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in newborns and infants, according to official announcements. Health personnel administered the initial doses on Monday to eligible newborns at the Maternity Ward of Hospital Santo Tomás, with operations managed by staff from the Hospital del Niño Dr. José Renán Esquivel. The intervention introduces a direct protection strategy to the national strategy against infant respiratory infections.
Investment and Vaccine Acquisition Details
According to Minsa, the government invested more than $3.5 million to secure 13,790 doses of nirsevimab through the acquisition mechanism of the Pan American Health Organization (OPS). These supplies form the primary inventory for protecting vulnerable infants during the initial phase of the program. The procurement supports Panama’s broader public health framework, which combines hygienic prevention measures, maternal immunisation, and now direct infant immunisation.
Integration With Maternal Immunisation Programs
Maternal vaccination remains the first line of defense for newborns under Panama’s public health guidelines. Since 2025, Minsa has administered the RSV vaccine to pregnant women between 30 and 36 weeks of gestation to transfer protective antibodies during early life. Nirsevimab acts as a clinical complement rather than a replacement for maternal shots, according to official statements. The monoclonal antibody specifically covers immunity gaps that occur when mothers do not receive the prenatal vaccine, lack verifiable vaccination records, or give birth fewer than 14 days after receiving the maternal dose.
Target Groups and Rollout Schedule
The operational guidelines establish a phased implementation plan across medical facilities. Priority groups for the initial stage include:
- Newborns whose mothers missed the RSV vaccine during pregnancy.
- Infants whose mothers lack verifiable vaccination records.
- Babies born less than 14 days after maternal immunisation.
- Specific high-risk infants identified under clinical guidelines.
- Infants under three months old in prioritized areas through a catch-up strategy during the first year.
Minsa confirmed that the distribution of nirsevimab will expand progressively to additional health facilities and regions nationwide to systematically reduce severe RSV complications in young children.
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