Brazilian health officials are bolstering efforts to protect newborns against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) thru an expanding vaccination program targeting pregnant women. The initiative, which began nationally in December 2025, aims to confer passive immunity to infants via maternal antibodies, a strategy particularly crucial given RSV’s status as a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in young children and a significant contributor to hospitalizations during peak season[[1]].In Divinópolis, over 500 pregnant women have already received the vaccine, as authorities respond to a 2025 surge in severe acute respiratory illness cases that resulted in 16 deaths[[3]].
Brazilian health officials are expanding a vaccination program aimed at protecting newborns from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common and potentially serious infection. More than 500 pregnant women in Divinópolis have already received the RSV vaccine, a key preventative measure that transfers immunity to their babies during gestation. This proactive approach is particularly important as infants are most vulnerable to severe complications from RSV during their first few months of life.
Data from the Divinópolis Epidemiological Surveillance show that 156 cases of severe acute respiratory illness (SRAG) were recorded among residents in 2025. Sadly, 16 of those cases proved fatal, resulting in a lethality rate of 10.26%. However, the majority of patients – 128 individuals, or 85.33% of those infected – recovered from the illness.
Within the city, men were more frequently affected by SRAG, accounting for 87 cases (55.77%) compared to 69 cases (44.23%) in women. Age also played a significant role in infection rates, with infants under one year old experiencing the highest number of cases (37) and adults aged 80-89 years representing the next largest group (29).
Vaccine Targets Pregnant Women
The Brazilian Ministry of Health began distributing the RSV vaccine nationally in December 2025, offering it to pregnant women starting at 28 weeks of gestation. The goal is to reduce the incidence of bronchiolitis in newborns. The vaccine works by enabling the mother to pass protective antibodies to the baby before birth, providing immunity that can last up to two years – covering the period when infants are most susceptible to severe RSV infections.
RSV is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children under two years of age, responsible for up to 75% of viral bronchiolitis cases and approximately 40% of pneumonias during peak viral circulation periods. The vaccine is a single-dose shot, administered from the 28th week of pregnancy, and is suitable for pregnant women of all ages, with contraindications limited to those experiencing a fever or a history of allergy to vaccine components.
The vaccine is currently available at all health units in Divinópolis, as well as through mobile vaccination clinics and ten “Health on the Hour” programs. To date, 560 pregnant women in the municipality have been vaccinated.
Local health authorities continue to monitor the epidemiological situation and reinforce preventative measures, aiming to reduce complications, hospitalizations, and deaths related to respiratory illnesses within the community.
