Premature babies covered by health plans may have access to nirsevimabeantibody used to prevent VSR (respiratory syncytial virus), throughout the year. The change was approved by the ANS (National Supplementary Health Agency) and published in the DOU (Official Gazette of the Union) this month.
an infection characterized by inflammation of the bronchioles — small airways in the lungs. The disease especially affects babies and children under two years of age and, in severe cases, can lead to difficulty breathing and altered state of consciousness.
Previously, health plans were required to provide access to nirsevimab during the period of greatest RSV circulation, which usually occurs in autumn and winter. Now, drug coverage can no longer be restricted to months traditionally associated with the peak of RSV circulation.
According to , the medicine should be made available to any premature children under the age of 1 year, regardless of the seasonality of the virus.
What is nirsevimab?
Nirsevimab is a specific antibody against RSV and works to prevent severe forms of virus infection in babies. The medicine is indicated for all newborns and children up to 2 years of age who remain vulnerable to the severe form of virus infection, such as those with:
- chronic lung disease of prematurity;
- severe immunocompromise;
- cystic fibrosis;
- uncorrected congenital heart disease with hemodynamic repercussions;
- Down syndrome.
What is bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is a respiratory disease that affects children under two years of age and is characterized by inflammation of the bronchioles, small airways in the lungs. According to the Ministry of Health, 80% of cases of the disease are caused by RSV, but other viruses can trigger it, such as adenovirus, parainfluenza, influenza, rhinovirus, among others.
The main symptoms are:
- Runny nose;
- Cough;
- Sneezing;
- Fever;
- Nasal obstruction;
- Wheezing in the chest;
- Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing.
In severe cases, the disease can progress to difficulty eating and breathing, cyanosis (bluish skin and lips), apnea, vomiting, drowsiness and/or irritability.
Newborn babies can also be protected against RSV through vaccination for pregnant women, available through the SUS (Unified Health System).
The vaccine is administered in a single dose from the 28th week of pregnancy. After vaccination, the pregnant woman produces antibodies that are transferred to the baby through the placenta, providing passive protection to the newborn.
