Bronchiolitis: prevention campaign for infants starts on September 1

The new infant bronchiolitis prevention campaign begins this Monday, September 1st. And this year, it is approximately two weeks earlier than the previous campaign (2024/2025 season).

Starting today, newborns will be able to receive a dose of Beyfortus , an antibody injection, directly at the maternity ward, a few days after birth, free of charge.

Children born between February and August 2025 will be able to receive their injection from their doctor or pediatrician (30% covered by health insurance). Last year, more than 450,000 infants were protected from a severe form of bronchiolitis, according to the Ministry of Health, thanks to this vaccine.

The campaign also targets pregnant women, who can get vaccinated (Abrysvo) (100% covered) in the eighth month of pregnancy to protect their baby. As a reminder, bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalization for infants under one year old. Bronchiolitis is a highly contagious viral infection of the bronchioles, the smallest bronchi. In 80% of cases, bronchiolitis is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In France, the bronchiolitis epidemic begins in the fall, ends in late winter, and affects a third of infants under the age of 2.

A preventative treatment launched in 2023 that's reassuring for parents. Mother of a 2-month-old boy, Cécile hadn't yet been informed by her doctor about the prevention campaign. And she hopes her son Maxence will be able to receive his injection soon: "Since he'll also be going to daycare in the coming months, he's a breeding ground for germs."

Pregnant with her second child, Julia was able to have her daughter Victoria vaccinated as soon as she was born. But for this pregnancy, she'll be the one receiving the injection. "The baby is due in the middle of an epidemic, in the middle of winter. It's very scary because every year, we see so many babies hospitalized. It's every mother's nightmare, so if I can prevent it, I'll do it," she explains to RMC.

An injection that she can obtain at a pharmacy, whose stocks have been refilled for this new campaign. Pediatrician Christophe Batard reiterates the importance of this vaccination:

“These injections reduce the number of cases of severe bronchiolitis, hospitalizations, and intensive care admissions by more than 80%. From the moment the baby is born, everyone comes to kiss the little baby, and that's where they get infected.”

The campaign also emphasizes actions to take, such as washing hands regularly or wearing a mask in case of colds, fever, or coughs.