Dr. María Cecilia Avancini, head of Pediatrics at vittal, highlights how immunization between weeks 32 and 36 of gestation reduces hospitalizations for bronchiolitis in newborns.
With the arrival of the first cool days of March, the health agenda focuses on the prevention of respiratory diseases. One of the most innovative and effective tools is the vaccine against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)the main cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under one year of age.
This immunization is not applied directly to the baby, but to the pregnant person. As explained by Dr. María Cecilia Avancini (MN 102751), pediatrician and head of Pediatrics at vittalthe vaccine is specifically intended for pregnant women who are among the weeks 32 and 36 inclusive.
The mechanism of this vaccine is key: when applied during the third trimester of pregnancy, it allows transfer of antibodies to the baby through the placenta. “The goal is to strengthen the immunity of newborns from the first day of life,” says Dr. Avancini. And he adds that in this way, “the baby is protected during his first six months, a stage when his immune system is still immature and the risk of serious complications is much greater.”
The vaccine has the support of the ANMAT, after having demonstrated high standards of quality, efficacy and safety for this population group.
The data supports the effectiveness of this preventive policy. After the strategy implemented in 2025 – which reached 65% of the target population – the preliminary results at the international and local level were overwhelming:
- 62% reduction in hospitalizations of children under six months.
- 70% decrease in admissions to intensive care.
For expectant mothers, Dr. Avancini clarifies a frequently asked question: the RSV vaccine can be given on the same day along with other vaccines indicated during pregnancy, thus facilitating compliance with the national calendar.
“It is essential to have vaccines up to date during pregnancy. It is the key tool to take care of the health of the pregnant person and, above all, to begin to protect the life of the baby even before it is born,” concludes the specialist. vittal.
About vital
vittal It is the largest emergency and extra-hospital medical emergency organization in Argentina. It has qualified medical personnel and the most complete fleet of highly complex mobile phones, equipped with advanced technology, with which it provides more than 1,000,000 emergency services annually, with an average of 2,700 daily services.
