The World Health Organisation (WHO) has linked respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to approximately 100,000 child deaths globally each year, unveiling new recommendations aimed at reducing this toll through targeted immunisation strategies.

In its first-ever position paper on RSV immunisation, published in the Weekly Epidemiological Record, WHO described the virus as a major public health threat to infants, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

According to the organisation, RSV also causes over 3.6 million hospitalisations in children under five annually. Nearly half of the deaths occur in babies younger than six months, with 97 per cent of total RSV-related child deaths reported in countries where access to medical care is limited.

To combat the high mortality rate, WHO now recommends the use of two immunisation products: a maternal vaccine and a monoclonal antibody injection for infants.

According to WHO, the maternal vaccine, RSVpreF, which received WHO prequalification in March 2025, should be administered to pregnant women during the third trimester, starting from the 28th week, to allow sufficient antibody transfer to their babies before birth. WHO noted that the vaccine can be delivered during routine antenatal care.

The second product, nirsevimab, is a long-acting monoclonal antibody given as a single injection to newborns. WHO recommends that the dose be administered at birth or before discharge from a birthing facility, but if missed at birth, it can be given at the infant’s first health visit.

WHO Director of Immunisation, Vaccines, and Biologicals, Dr. Kate O’Brien, stated that RSV is highly contagious and particularly dangerous to infants, especially those born prematurely. She said that the new immunisation products recommended by WHO have the potential to dramatically reduce the global burden of severe RSV disease.

The organisation emphasised that while both immunisation tools are effective, countries should adopt one based on their healthcare system’s capacity, cost considerations, and expected population coverage.

Although RSV typically presents with mild, cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, cough, and fever, the virus can lead to severe illnesses like pneumonia and bronchiolitis, especially in infants and children with compromised immune systems or other underlying conditions.

WHO stressed that the most substantial impact in preventing RSV-related fatalities will be achieved by immunising infants under six months of age. However, the organisation added that there may still be health benefits for children up to 12 months.