PREVENTION OF BRONCHIOLITIS IN INFANTS
Vaccination against Respiratory Syncytial Virus begins in pregnant women
He Ministry of Human Development of the province of Formosa reported that, as of January 12, 2026, vaccination against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) intended for pregnant women, with the aim of preventing serious respiratory infections in newborns during the first six months of life.
The vaccine is free, mandatory and is part of the National Vaccination Calendar. It is aimed exclusively at pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, who must receive a single dose.
In this regard, the head of the Immunization Department, Mr. Julio Arroyoexplained that pregnant women who are in that period do not need a medical order to access the vaccination, and only have to present themselves with their ID and vaccination card.
Immunization will be available in all health centers and hospitals in the province, both in the capital and in the interior. It can also be applied at the La Familia vaccination center, located at Padre Patiño 1255, within the “Dr. Ramón Carrillo” Central Emergency Hospital.
In relation to the importance of this health strategy, Arroyo pointed out that vaccination allows the prevention of lower respiratory tract diseases caused by RSV from birth to six months of age. During this period, the virus is the main cause of severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants, in addition to being associated with a higher risk of recurrent wheezing and asthma.
The official explained that, when vaccinated, mothers generate antibodies that are then transmitted to the baby through the placenta, providing early protection against the virus. This reduces complications, hospitalizations and neonatal morbidity and mortality, especially during seasons with greater circulation of respiratory infections, such as autumn and winter.
Finally, the Ministry urged pregnant women to get vaccinated from the indicated date and recalled the importance of completing the vaccination schedule during pregnancy, including flu, acellular triple bacterial and boosters against COVID-19. Likewise, they highlighted that the application of the RSV vaccine is an opportunity to review the card and complete the corresponding doses.
