A new preventative antibody injection is significantly reducing hospitalizations due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Quebec’s Estrie region, offering relief to a healthcare system often strained by the common, yet possibly severe, virus in infants. Hospitalizations in the area have dropped by 72 cases compared to the previous winter, with an estimated 1,000 infant hospitalizations prevented province-wide since the program’s launch last fall. The antibody, nirsevimab-marketed as Beyfortus-is administered to newborns and represents a major step forward in protecting vulnerable infants from serious RSV-related complications like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Hospitalizations related to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are declining in the Estrie region. The decrease comes after a new preventative measure – an antibody injection for newborns – became available a year ago, and is estimated to have prevented around 1,000 hospitalizations across Quebec. RSV is a common virus, but can be particularly dangerous for infants.
Last year, 108 children aged 0 to 2 years in Estrie were hospitalized due to RSV, a significant drop of 72 cases compared to the winter of 2022-2023.
We believe this translated to a reduction of approximately 1,000 hospitalizations in Quebec among infants under 6 months of age.
While typically a mild infection in adults, RSV can be severe for young infants experiencing their first exposure to the virus.
“The baby who has no prior immunity is more likely to have the virus descend into the lungs,” explained Dr. Jesse Papenburg, a pediatrician and microbiologist-infectiologist. “This can cause bronchiolitis or pneumonia. That’s when babies may need oxygen or intravenous hydration, or sometimes respiratory support.”
RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization for babies under one year old in Canada, placing a considerable strain on healthcare facilities, often requiring intensive care.
Relief for Hospitals
The introduction of nirsevimab, marketed as Beyfortus, in the fall of 2024 has brought significant changes to many hospitals. This antibody, administered to newborns before hospital discharge, has reduced hospitalizations by more than 80%, according to a study by the Institut national de santé publique du Québec.
This decline in hospitalizations and emergency room visits is having a positive impact on the healthcare system, according to Dr. Papenburg.
“This represents a very significant burden on the pediatric healthcare system in Quebec and Canada. It can lead to elective surgeries being postponed or delayed,” he noted.
The fact that there are fewer babies presenting to emergency rooms, fewer babies taking up hospital beds, and especially intensive care beds, allows the entire healthcare system for children to run more efficiently. And I think we saw that effect last year.
Peace of Mind for Parents
Eight-month-old Salomé received the antibody injection in February, making her part of the first group of babies in Estrie to receive it.
“I had heard about it from my midwife during prenatal checkups. She told us it was something new and that it was up to us to decide if we wanted it. Since she was born in the winter, we decided it was a good idea to protect her,” explained her mother, Jessica Buteau.
As part of the ongoing immunization campaign this year, babies born between April and September are eligible to receive the injection in the fall.
“As soon as the vaccine was available, we made an appointment through Clic Santé. My husband is a pharmacist, so he was very familiar with the vaccine’s effectiveness and how it helped last year, so we were very in favor of vaccinating our little one,” said Mélina, the mother of Ophélia, who has also been immunized.
According to Health Canada, side effects from this injection are rare, and its benefits have been documented in several countries. The widespread adoption of this preventative measure offers a promising step towards reducing the burden of RSV on families and healthcare systems.
