Ljubljana maternity hospital has started protecting babies from RSV infections

Ljubljana's maternity clinic has begun offering free protection for newborns and infants under six months old against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) using long-acting monoclonal antibodies. The initiative, launched at the Maternity Clinic of the University Clinical Centre Ljubljana (UKC Ljubljana), aims to safeguard children whose mothers were not timely vaccinated against RSV during pregnancy. The service is available even to children who have not yet selected a pediatrician, ensuring they receive prompt protection. The program runs for the 2026/27 season and targets infants younger than six months whose mothers did not receive the recommended RSV vaccination during pregnancy. Parents need to book an appointment in advance, though a referral is not required. The clinic emphasizes that this measure ensures no child is left unprotected during their most vulnerable period for RSV infection. RSV is a common virus causing respiratory infections, particularly affecting the lower airways in infants. Symptoms can resemble a cold, including nasal discharge, coughing, and fever, while more severe cases may lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, requiring hospitalization. Protection in the early months of life is crucial due to the high risk of complications. Dr. Lilijana Kornhauser Cerar, a neonatology specialist and head of the intensive care unit for newborns at the clinic, highlighted that infants in their early stages of life face a higher risk of severe illness. Long-acting monoclonal antibodies provide direct protection against the virus, reducing the likelihood of serious disease progression and hospitalization. In addition to medical interventions, the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) recommends preventive measures such as hand hygiene before handling infants, limiting contact with sick individuals, and ensuring proper room ventilation. They advise that siblings of infants under six months should avoid visiting daycare centers. Parents can book appointments from Monday to Friday between 8 AM and 2 PM via phone number 01/ 522 60 15 or email narocanje.neonatalna.gk@kclj.si. Appointments will be scheduled based on the availability of the clinic. More information on RSV and protective measures is available through educational materials provided by NIJZ. The clinic specifically notes that newborns and infants without a chosen pediatrician might otherwise remain unprotected due to administrative or organizational barriers. Their goal is to ensure all children receive necessary protection during the critical period when they are most susceptible to RSV infection. RSV is one of the leading causes of respiratory infections in infants and young children, often resulting in hospitalizations within the first year of life. According to NIJZ, approximately two-thirds of infants become infected with RSV in their first year, and nearly every child encounters the virus by age two. While symptoms are typically mild in older children and adults, RSV can lead to severe complications in newborns and infants under six months, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. The most significant risks apply to premature babies, children with chronic lung conditions, and those with severe congenital heart defects. However, RSV infections can also affect otherwise healthy infants born at term. Over 70 percent of infants hospitalized due to RSV complications were previously healthy. RSV infections peak in countries with temperate climates from autumn to spring, making timely protection especially important during these seasons. Protection options include maternal vaccination during pregnancy, which transfers protective antibodies to the infant, or direct administration of long-acting monoclonal antibodies to the infant. Monoclonal antibodies differ from vaccines in that they directly provide immunity rather than stimulating the immune system to produce its own antibodies. One dose usually suffices for seasonal protection, with effects lasting up to six months. According to NIJZ data, long-acting monoclonal antibodies reduce the risk of severe disease by 84 percent, potentially preventing hospitalization.