WHO launches first ever rsv vaccine for babies

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes millions of childhood illnesses yearly, particularly in poorer countries. On 30 May 2025, the World Health Organisation issued its first global guidance recommending two new preventative tools for infants. Here's what every parent needs to know about this major breakthrough and how to protect babies from RSV:#MyCOSTrade

The World Health Organisation (WHO) unveils historic new tools to protect infants from Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a maternal vaccine and a monoclonal antibody injection, offering hope to families in the fight against the virus (Image: Canva)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) unveils historic new tools to protect infants from Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a maternal vaccine and a monoclonal antibody injection, offering hope to families in the fight against the virus (Image: Canva)

Considering the health threat posed by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in infants, the World Health Organization (WHO) urges a rollout of either the RSVpreF maternal immunisation or the monoclonal antibody treatment, nirsevimab, to shield infants from severe infection. RSV has long been overlooked, despite causing millions of hospitalisations and nearly 100,000 deaths in children under five each year. Now, for the first time, the World Health Organisation has issued global guidance recommending immunisation to protect infants from this serious and often deadly virus.

The new WHO position paper, released on 30 May 2025, introduces two promising ways to protect infants: a maternal vaccine and a monoclonal antibody injection. These aren’t just technical advances; they could be lifesavers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where medical access is limited and RSV mortality is tragically high. With these tools, families now have hope in the fight against a virus that has quietly taken a devastating toll.