Significantly fewer babies in ICU thanks to RS vaccine developed by Amsterdam UMC
The number of babies admitted to intensive care (ICU) in recent months due to the RS virus has dropped significantly. This decrease is largely thanks to the RS shot, an important discovery by Professor Hergen Spits of Amsterdam UMC. The shot has been included in the National Immunisation Programme since September 2023, according to recent figures from the RIVM (Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment).
Last season, 178 babies with RS Virus were admitted to the ICU, compared to just 43 this season—a decrease of three-quarters. The RS virus is still circulating in the Netherlands, but the shot is already providing significant relief to pediatric ICUs. In previous years, the virus caused a peak in hospital admissions every autumn and winter, but this year, for the first time, that peak did not occur.
Early protection is crucial
For young babies, the RS virus can be dangerous and lead to severe breathing difficulties or pneumonia. Worldwide, RSV is the second leading cause of death in infants, after malaria. The RIVM therefore advises vaccinating babies as soon as possible after birth. In the Netherlands, babies receive the shot within two weeks of birth.
How does the RS vaccine work?
The RS shot is an immunisation: the antibodies against the virus are already present in the shot, so babies are protected immediately. With a single shot, they are protected against the RS virus for six months. There is also a vaccination for pregnant women, so their baby receives antibodies via the placenta.
Side effects of the shot are rare and mild, such as swelling or redness at the injection site, skin rash, or fever. Parents are advised to contact their GP if their baby is younger than three months and develops a fever.
How fantastic it is to see that, thanks to an invention by an Amsterdam UMC spin-off company, virtually no babies need to end up in the ICU anymore!
International recognition and healthcare cost savings
The RS vaccine is based on the antibody Nirsevimab (Beyfortus), developed by Amsterdam UMC spin-off AIMM, originating from the research of Professor Hergen Spits. In 2022, the European Commission/EMA gave positive advice for this product. The technology was licensed to MedImmune/AstraZeneca in 2007. The Health Council recommended administering antibodies directly to babies, as this protects more children. The introduction of the RS shot is estimated to save Dutch healthcare €16 million annually.
Future and research
Now that the RS vaccine is part of the National Immunisation Programme, all babies in the Netherlands are entitled to this protection. The RIVM will continue to investigate the exact impact of the shot in the coming period. The initial results are very promising and underline the importance of innovative research, such as that conducted by Hergen Spits and his team at Amsterdam UMC.
Thanks also to AstraZeneca and Sanofi for being willing to make the necessary investments to realize this impact.
Driving force
Joris Heus was closely involved in bringing together the necessary expertise.
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Please contact Joris via j.heus@amsterdamumc.nl.
