How to best prevent RSV in infants?

Significant progress has been made in preventing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in infants, with the licensing of at least three prophylactic products. RSV-associated hospitalization rates reach approximately 2% in healthy infants during their first RSV season, predominantly occurring within the first six months of life. Maternal immunization, currently licensed for administration between 24–36 weeks gestational age by the EMA and 32–36 weeks by the FDA for Aresvy®, offers passive neonatal protection especially suited for tropical regions with year-round RSV circulation and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) if antenatal care is well established and cost constraints exist. Passive immunization via long-acting monoclonal antibodies (such as nirsevimab and clesrovimab administered shortly after birth during periods of RSV circulation (typically winter in temperate zones) presents an alternative approach, equally effective according to current evidence.   Nirsevimab (Beyfortus®) and clesrovimab (Enflonsia®) target distinct highly conserved epitopes on the RSV fusion (F) protein and are administered...