Impact of nirsevimab prophylaxis on paediatric respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-related hospitalisations during the initial 2023/24 season in Luxembourg

Euro Surveill. 2024 Jan;29(4):2400033. doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2024.29.4.2400033.

Abstract

After Luxembourg introduced nirsevimab immunisation against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), estimated neonatal coverage was 84% (1,277 doses/1,524 births) in 2023. That year, paediatric RSV-related hospitalisations, especially concerning infants < 6 months old (n = 72) seemed to decrease compared to the same period in 2022 (n = 232). In 2023, hospitalised children's mean age increased (14.4 months vs 7.8 months in 2022; p < 0.001) and hospital-stay length decreased (3.2 days vs 5.1 days; p < 0.001). In infants < 6 months old, intensive-care unit admissions appeared to drop (n = 28 vs 9). This suggests that nirsevimab prophylaxis reduced severe RSV infections, particularly in infants < 6 months old, thereby alleviating healthcare strain.

Keywords: Immunisation; Luxembourg; Nirsevimab; Paediatric hospitalization; Real-world evidence; Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized*
  • Child
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Luxembourg / epidemiology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections* / prevention & control
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human*
  • Seasons

Substances

  • nirsevimab
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized