The Queensland government has announced a $31 million immunization program to combat Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a highly contagious virus that affects the lungs and is the leading cause of hospitalizations in babies and young children. The program aims to immunize over 70,000 newborns, eligible infants, and young children with a monoclonal antibody called Nirsevimab, which has been shown to be 80% effective in preventing lower respiratory tract infections caused by RSV.
Nirsevimab, marketed as Beyfortus, is different from a vaccine as it provides direct antibody protection to infants, while vaccines stimulate the recipient's immune system to produce antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies start working within a couple of days, while vaccines generally take one to three weeks. Each dose of Nirsevimab provides protection for at least five months.
The program will begin in mid-April and will offer a dose to all newborn infants before they are discharged from the hospital. Newborns who are not immunized in the hospital can access a dose up until eight months of age at a hospital or through a GP. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants less than eight months of age, infants with certain complex medical conditions less than eight months of age, and infants with certain complex medical conditions from eight months up to 19 months of age (inclusive) are also eligible.