According to manufacturer prescribing information, the RSV monoclonal antibody can be co-administered with vaccines like tuberculosis and hepatitis B. Therefore, children can receive all three types in the same vaccination session or at any time interval, as directed by a doctor. This co-administration does not compromise efficacy or safety, offering children early protection against these pathogens.
Nirsevimab, an RSV monoclonal antibody introduced in Vietnam by Sanofi, is for infants up to 24 months old, including full-term, healthy babies. This differs from previous antibodies, which were only for high-risk children. Nirsevimab effectively prevents hospitalization from RSV lower respiratory tract infection, with an efficacy rate exceeding 82%. It offers protection throughout the RSV season, which typically lasts about 6 months.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 70% of children by 12 months old have contracted RSV, and most children by 24 months old have been infected at least once. Infants under 6 months old face a high risk of severe RSV and mortality, accounting for about 50% of RSV-related deaths in children. Protecting infants immediately after birth is crucial.
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Children receiving vaccinations at VNVC Vaccination System. Photo: Hoang Duong |
Children receiving vaccinations at VNVC Vaccination System. Photo: Hoang Duong
Infants from one day to 12 months old receive one dose, with the dosage determined by weight. Children aged 12 to 24 months who are at high risk of RSV require two doses administered at two different sites on the same day.
For hepatitis B, 90% of infants up to one year old infected with the hepatitis B virus will develop chronic hepatitis B. This disease is a leading cause of liver cancer. Therefore, infants need one dose of hepatitis B within 24 hours after birth, followed by continued vaccination according to the 5-in-1 or 6-in-1 vaccine schedule.
Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, typically attacks the lungs but can affect any body organ. Children, especially newborns, are susceptible to infection. The tuberculosis vaccine is best administered to children within one month after birth, provided they weigh more than 2 kg and are in stable health.
The VNVC Vaccination System is currently implementing a free tuberculosis vaccination program for children under one year old at all centers nationwide. Parents can inquire and register their baby for tuberculosis vaccination along with other important vaccines. Dr. Tran Huynh Tan, Medical Manager at VNVC Vaccination System, provided this advice.
Readers can submit vaccine consultation questions for doctors to answer here.
