Infant bronchiolitis: new preventive antibody available

Acute bronchiolitis in infants is a respiratory disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It is mostly benign, but can cause serious complications in very young infants. This seasonal epidemic usually begins in mid-October and ends at the end of winter with a peak during the month of December.

The prevention campaign is taking place this year from 14 september 2026 to 28 february 2027 and offers 2 types of preventive treatment.

An antibody to immunize infants against bronchiolitis

Monoclonal antibody immunization is performed from birth or before the first RSV circulation season for the child. A novel monoclonal antibody, Enflonsia, complements the immunization offer since August 2026.

3 drugs are thus available for newborns and infants under 1 year of age who will experience their first season of exposure to RSV (the mother must not have received the Abrysvo vaccine). They protect the child over a period of 5 months corresponding to the average duration of circulation of the virus:

• Beyfortus ;
• Enflonsia ;
• Synagis (reserved for premature infants and high-risk infants with severe heart or lung disease; administered only in a health facility).

The care of the antibody by the Health Insurance is of 100% in hospital. She's from 65% in the city since august 31, 2026 (30% previously), the remaining expenses being variable according to the mutuals.

Children born during the prevention campaign (between 14 September 2026 and 28 February 2027) may be offered a dose of antibodies directly in maternity a few days after birth. It can also be administered in the city.

Children born between February 21, 2026 and September 13, 2026 can receive catch-up immunization in the city. The antibody can be prescribed by a doctor or midwife and administered by doctors, midwives and nurses, as well as PMI.

Maternal vaccination to immunize the baby against bronchiolitis

Pregnant women can be vaccinated in pharmacies or health facilities with the Abrysvo vaccine. It is administered at 8^e month of pregnancy (between 32^e and 36^e week of amenorrhea). It protects the infant from birth if it occurs more than 2 weeks after the injection and up to 6 months after birth.

Vaccination can be prescribed and carried out by doctors, midwives, registered nurses (RNs) and pharmacists. It is taken care of 100% by Maternity Insurance as part of the reimbursement of care to 100% of pregnant women (from 6^e month of pregnancy).