With autumn just around the corner, several communities are launching a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization campaign to reduce admissions for bronchiolitis in children, an infection that puts pressure on emergency and pediatric wards every year.
The public strategy is once again focused on the passive immunization with nirsevimab (a monoclonal antibody) for infants and children with risk conditions, integrating prophylaxis in delivery rooms and health centers during the months of greatest virus circulation.
Common calendar and target groups
The device starts the Monday 22 of September with hospital administration for all babies born during the campaign and will continue until March 2026; In addition, children under six months old born outside of these dates will receive an appointment for primary care.
Priority groups include: premature babies under 12 months and infants with very high-risk pathologies (see the risk factor's) that are up to 24 months old, according to the criteria agreed at the national level for this season.
In accordance with the recommendations of the Ministry, the Public Health Commission nirsevimab prophylaxis is maintained in 2025-2026; the autonomous communities implement the program and can introduce operational adjustments, while practical materials (summaries, dose calculator and question and answer documents for families).
Galicia launches the campaign
The Xunta, through the General Directorate of Public Health, begins hospital administration from Monday, September 22 for all newborns until the end of the campaign in March 2026.
That same day the summons to the premature babies under 12 months and infants at high risk of severe RSV disease who are less than 24 months old.
In addition, Sanidade will actively call on the children under six months old starting Monday, September 29 who were born outside the campaign period, that is, from April 1 to September 21, 2025.
In the previous season, 12.719 girls and boys, reaching 100% in babies with risk factors, 91,74% among those recaptured in 2024 and 98,27% of those born during the campaign itself; according to regional data, the measure contributed to a reduction of more than 90% in hospitalizations due to bronchiolitis in protected babies.
Andalusia activates its third campaign
The Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs begins the September 22 its third RSV immunization campaign, aimed at infants under six months of age and children up to 24 months of age with very high-risk conditions.
This week it has begun to contact families of babies born since April 1 To facilitate appointments at your health center starting September 22; those born between September 22 and March 31, 2026, will be immunized in the delivery room or on the maternity ward before discharge.
It will also protect the children under one year of age with prematurity of less than 35 weeks and other infants with chronic pathologies considered very high risk, up to 24 months.
For the 2025-2026 season, the Board has acquired 73.000 doses with a budget of 15,8 millones de euros, reinforcing product availability to cover the target population.
In 2024-2025 they were immunized 55.115 infants, with a coverage of over 95,3% (93,6% the previous year), and the implementation of the program has achieved a reduction of almost 80% in hospitalizations due to bronchiolitis in the last two years, with around 2.000 fewer admissions last winter.
Prevention tips and helpful resources
Protection with nirsevimab is complemented by hygiene and prevention measures that reduce RSV transmission at home and in daycare centers.
- Frequent hand washing with soap and water (20 seconds) or hydroalcoholic gel.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with the crook of your elbow and dispose of tissues.
- Avoid daycare if you have symptoms and limit visits to newborns during periods of high traffic.
- Reduce exposure to tobacco smoke and crowded environments; Breastfeeding provides added protection.
For professionals and families, practical summaries are available, a nirsevimab dose calculator and frequently asked questions documents; it's worth remembering that the specific organization (appointments, locations, and times) may vary depending on the autonomous community.
With the coordinated start of Galicia and Andalusia and the availability of support resources, the RSV immunization campaign reinforces the protection of the little ones; if you receive an appointment, go on the date and resolve any doubts with your pediatric team.
