Far fewer babies required intensive care treatment for RS virus infections this autumn and winter, according to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment RIVM (Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu). Between late September and early February, 43 infants with the virus ended up in intensive care. This marks a significant decrease from the 178 admissions recorded during the same period last year.
The RIVM attributes this 75 per cent drop largely to the introduction of a new RS vaccination. Since last autumn, parents have been able to get their babies vaccinated against the virus. The shot provides protection for approximately six months. Data indicate that approximately three-quarters of eligible infants received the injection in recent months.
The RS virus can cause serious respiratory infections and poses a particular danger to very young infants. Last year, a surge in cases placed the Dutch healthcare system under immense pressure. Hospitals had to postpone planned operations for children because RS virus admissions occupied so many intensive care beds.
Health officials plan to investigate the exact impact of the vaccination programme in more detail over the coming months. Early signs suggest the jab has been highly effective in preventing severe illness during the peak winter season.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
