Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) will begin administering a preventive antibody treatment for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to newborns and infants under 12 months starting 4 September.
The antibody, nirsevimab, will be offered free of charge to all newborns in HUS maternity hospitals and to high-risk infants treated at the New Children’s Hospital, Jorvi Hospital, and Hyvinkää Hospital.
RSV is the most common cause of respiratory infections leading to hospitalisation in babies.
While usually mild in older children and adults, RSV can cause severe breathing difficulties in infants, often requiring inpatient care.
“Nirsevimab gives effective protection throughout the entire winter epidemic season,” said Tea Nieminen, paediatric infectious diseases specialist at the New Children’s Hospital. “Hospitalisation of a baby is always a difficult experience for families. We are extremely happy that we can offer this option to our patients.”
The immunisation is voluntary. The antibody is administered via a single injection and is suitable even for newborns.
Nirsevimab was first used in Finland during the 2024–2025 winter season, when it was made available to newborns and high-risk groups. Around 90% of infants under three months received the treatment. Hospital data from that season indicate a 70% drop in RSV-related admissions at HUS hospitals.
Internationally, nirsevimab has been in use since 2023. Studies in several countries showed that the antibody reduced RSV-related hospitalisations by 80–90%.
RSV typically circulates during colder months and contributes to seasonal spikes in paediatric respiratory admissions. The virus spreads through droplets and surfaces, and infants under six months are particularly vulnerable due to their still-developing immune systems.
The rollout at HUS hospitals aims to reduce the pressure on paediatric wards during the winter peak and lower the emotional and medical toll on families.
HT
