Acceptance and impact of Nirsevimab and the RSVpreF vaccine following implementation in Austria

Datos Bibliográficos

ID22090824
AutoresMichaela Höck (0000-0001-7855-0617, Innsbruck Medical University), Wegene Borena (0000-0001-8011-5825, Innsbruck Medical University), J Brunner (0009-0003-1580-0692, Innsbruck Medical University), Karina Wechselberger (Innsbruck Medical University), Johanna Scheiring (Innsbruck Medical University), Elisabeth Ralser (Innsbruck Medical University), Ulrike Pupp Peglow (Innsbruck Medical University), Peter Wöckinger (Innsbruck Medical University), Elisabeth D’Costa (Innsbruck Medical University), Verena Kaiser (Innsbruck Medical University), Klaus Kapelari (Innsbruck Medical University), Gisa Gerold (0000-0002-1326-5038, Innsbruck Medical University), Thomas Müller (0000-0003-1225-1483, Innsbruck Medical University), Ursula Kiechl-Kohlendorfer, Ursula Kiechl‐Kohlendorfer (0000-0003-0433-6196, Innsbruck Medical University), Elke Griesmaier (0000-0002-9269-5756, Innsbruck Medical University, autor de correspondencia)
Año2025
Volumen13
Páginas1686581-1686581
Fecha de publicación2025-10-20
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
EditorialFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2025.1686581
PMID41189975
OpenAlexW4415364064
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas1
Referencias citadas30

Background Since summer 2024, passive immunization with nirsevimab (Beyfortus ® ) has been recommended for all infants in Austria to prevent severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Maternal vaccination with RSVpreF (Abrysvo ® ), which provides transplacental protection, became available in autumn 2023. The expected public health benefits of these preventive strategies depend largely on widespread acceptance; however, real-world data from Austria are unavailable. Objective This study aimed to assess the acceptance and impact of RSV immunization strategies during the 2024/2025 season in Tyrol, Austria. Methods A retrospective study was conducted analyzing all live births at three Tyrolean maternity wards (Innsbruck, Hall, and Schwaz) from 5 December 2024 to 15 April 2025. Immunization rates were analyzed, and RSV-related hospitalization frequency and duration were compared to pre-pandemic seasons. Results Of 1,156 newborns, 57% received nirsevimab and 12% were protected by maternal RSVpreF protection, resulting in an overall coverage of almost 70%. RSV-related hospitalizations for infants under 1 year of age significantly decreased from 151 in pre-pandemic seasons to 47 in the post-nirsevimab season ( p = 0.018). During the post-nirsevimab season, the median age at hospital admission was significantly higher ( p < 0.001), and the length of stay was shorter ( p = 0.031). Importantly, none of the hospitalized infants received nirsevimab, and only one was born to a vaccinated mother. Conclusion Our findings highlight the positive impact of both RSV immunization strategies—nirsevimab and RSVpreF vaccine—while underscoring the need to enhance public awareness and education to improve immunization rates. Future immunization programs must be strengthened to provide better protection for the pediatric population and reduce RSV-associated morbidity in early life

Immunization · Immunization program · Population · Public health · Vaccination · Vaccine-preventable diseases · COVID-19 Impact on Reproduction · Parvovirus B19 Infection Studies · Respiratory viral infections research