Peer-reviewed article
Protecting NZ infants from RSV: The case for universal immunisation
Hazel Dobinson, MacDonald, Claire, Jutta van den Boom, Catherine Ann Byrnes, Emma Best ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view ·Key points
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Abstract
Each winter, around 2,000 whānau in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) have their lives affected by infant hospitalisation for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) complications. RSV is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection (bronchiolitis) leading to hospitalisation in infants, with the greatest burden in the first months after birth. Māori and Pacific infants are disproportionately affected. Material hardship, household crowding, and cold, damp housing contribute to RSV prevalence and severity. Effective immunisations against RSV are now available in the form of long-acting monoclonal antibodies (nirsevimab or clesrivomab) given to newborns and maternal RSV vaccination during pregnancy (RSVpreF (Abrysvo)). They are widely used internationally, creating an opportunity for NZ to significantly reduce hospitalisations, ease winter health system pressure, and improve equity. RSV immunisation represents a high‑impact and economically efficient strategy that justifies rapid policy approval and implementation in NZ.