Boletín Médico Del Hospital Infantil de México
Position statement of the Mexican Academy of Pediatrics regarding strategies to prevent respiratory syncytial virus infection in MexicoÓ?s pediatric population
By Rosa María Wong‐Chew, María del C. Espinosa-Sotero, Ana Elena Limón-Rojas and 14 others.
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of acute lower respiratory tract infection, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and hospitalization among infants and young children, with the highest risk of severe disease observed in infants younger than six months, preterm infants, and children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, congenital heart disease, immunocompromising conditions, and other underlying comorbidities.In Mexico, available evidence demonstrates a substantial clinical burden and a predominant seasonal circulation from September to March.In recent years, the development of novel preventive strategies has transformed the approach to RSV prevention, particularly through maternal immunization with a bivalent prefusion F protein vaccine and passive immunoprophylaxis with long-acting monoclonal antibodies.This position statement from the Mexican Academy of Pediatrics reviews the epidemiological, clinical, and real-world effectiveness evidence regarding currently available strategies for the prevention of RSV infection in the pediatric population.Maternal vaccination between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation promotes transplacental antibody transfer and provides protection to infants during the first months of life.Monoclonal antibodies, particularly nirsevimab, have demonstrated significant reductions in lower respiratory tract infection, hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, and severe RSV-associated disease, with a favorable safety profile.Based on disease burden, national seasonality, availability of preventive products, and the characteristics of the Mexican health care system, the Mexican Academy of Pediatrics proposes a complementary and progressive strategy




