Infant bronchiolitis: what prevention for this winter?

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. It is one of the leading causes of hospitalization of children under one year of age during the winter season.

The Ministry of Health is launching the 2025-2026 prevention campaign in September for metropolitan France and the overseas departments.

Since the end of 2023, two prevention tools exist against bronchiolitis:

• an injection of Abrysvo vaccine administered to 8^e month of pregnancy. This vaccine allows the mother to develop antibodies that are transmitted directly to the baby through the placenta; it will thus be immune from birth until 6 months of age;
• treatment with monoclonal antibody (Beyfortus) to immunize newborns and infants under 1 year of age.

The injection of another monoclonal antibody, Synagis, has been recommended for several years to prevent severe bronchiolitis in high-risk children.

Maternal vaccination

From 1^er in september 2025, pregnant women can be vaccinated with the vaccine in pharmacies or health facilities Abrysvo. 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 injection and up to 6 months after birth.

Vaccination can be prescribed and carried out by doctors, midwives, state registered nurses (STN) and pharmacists.

The vaccine is covered 100% by the Maternity Insurance, as part of the reimbursement of care to 100% of pregnant women that applies from the first day of 6^e month of pregnancy.

An antibody for newborns

Immunization by the monoclonal antibody Beyfortus is intended for infants who are about to experience their first season of exposure to RSV. It can take place if the mother has not received the Abrysvo vaccine.

Children born between 1^er September 2025 and the end of the annual immunization campaign (early 2026, depending on the evolution of the epidemic) will be able to receive a dose of Beyfortus directly in maternity a few days after their birth, in continuity with the care provided in maternity. The treatment is covered in full by the Health Insurance, without any advance costs.

Children born between February and August 2025 can benefit from catch-up immunization in the city. The vaccine should be prescribed by a doctor or midwife. It can be performed by doctors, midwives and nurses, as well as in PMI.

In the city, Beyfortus is reimbursed up to 30% by the Health Insurance and in full with the C2S (complementary health solidarity) or the AME, the remainder of the charge being able to be fully covered by the complementary health organizations.