Universal RSV vaccination programme could free up thousands of hospital beds

Universal RSV vaccination programme could free up thousands of hospital beds New Zealand’s public health officials are calling for the introduction of a universal RSV vaccination programme, which they say could free up thousands of hospital beds annually. The push comes amid growing concerns over the strain respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) places on the country’s healthcare system, particularly during the winter months. According to a recent briefing from the Public Health Communication Centre, widespread immunisation against RSV could significantly ease the burden on hospitals and improve overall health outcomes. RSV is a common viral infection that affects the lungs and respiratory tract, causing symptoms similar to a cold. However, in young children, especially those under five years old, it can lead to severe complications such as bronchiolitis, difficulty breathing, and the need for supplemental oxygen or feeding tubes. In extreme cases, infants may require high-dependency or intensive care. Each year, approximately 1,800 to 2,000 children under five are hospitalised due to RSV, with roughly half of them being infants who are at higher risk. Dr Hazel Dobinson, a paediatric infectious disease specialist and lead author of the briefing, highlighted how immunisation has proven highly effective in reducing hospitalisations abroad. International studies show that RSV vaccination programmes have cut hospitalisations by up to 90 per cent, alleviating seasonal pressures on healthcare systems and promoting greater health equity. Countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Chile, and much of Europe have already implemented either infant RSV immunisation, maternal vaccination during pregnancy, or both, as part of their national immunisation strategies. Currently, New Zealand only provides the palivizumab vaccine to around 200 infants each year who are considered high-risk, those with serious heart or lung conditions or born extremely prematurely. This targeted approach leaves many children vulnerable, particularly Māori and Pacific children, as well as those living in socioeconomically disadvantaged or overcrowded households, who are disproportionately affected by the virus. The briefing outlines two promising prevention strategies now being used globally: long-acting monoclonal antibodies administered to newborns and maternal vaccination during pregnancy. Research indicates that monoclonal antibodies can reduce RSV-related hospitalisations by 70 to 90 per cent, while maternal vaccination offers around 70 per cent protection against severe RSV infections in infants up to six months of age. Dobinson noted that implementing a universal vaccination programme could help alleviate bed shortages in critical care units, such as the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Starship Hospital. During the winter peak, the PICU often becomes fully occupied with RSV patients, leaving no capacity for elective procedures that require intensive care beds. This situation results in significant delays and additional strain on the healthcare system. The economic impact of RSV is also substantial, according to Dobinson. Direct healthcare costs include hospital admissions, emergency department visits, and intensive care stays. These expenses add up to millions of dollars annually. She stressed that these figures do not account for the broader societal and family impacts, including lost productivity and emotional distress. As discussions continue, there is increasing pressure on New Zealand to align its policies with international best practices. With successful models already in place elsewhere, the case for a comprehensive RSV vaccination strategy grows stronger. The next steps will likely involve further research, policy review, and potential legislative action to bring about change.