RSV Vaccine Expands: Health Ministry Broadens Protection for Infants and Elderly

The Ministry of Health updated its RSV vaccination guidelines, adding two new vaccines: Enflonsia for infants and mRESVIA for adults. Eligibility groups were expanded, including at-risk individuals aged 18-59, and the administration date for newborns was postponed from August 1 to September 1. Prof. David Greenberg from Soroka emphasized the importance of vaccination to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.

The Ministry of Health published today (Monday) an update to the vaccination guidelines against the RSV virus, one of the main causes of respiratory illness among infants, the elderly, and at-risk populations. The update includes the introduction of two new vaccines: Enflonsia (Clesrovimab), a passive vaccine for infants in their first year of life, which entered the health basket this year, and according to clinical efficacy data prevented RSV-related hospitalizations by 84.2% and severe illness by 90%; and mRESVIA, an active mRNA vaccine, intended for all individuals aged 60 and above and for those aged 18-59 at increased risk. Additionally, the indication of the Arexvy vaccine was expanded to include individuals aged 18-59 in risk groups, excluding pregnant women. Another major change is the postponement of the date for administering the vaccine to newborns in hospitals from August 1 to September 1, but the ministry emphasizes that this is only a change in the administration window and does not alter the epidemiological definition of the start of the RSV season. Prof. David Greenberg, director of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit at Soroka Medical Center, explained that the virus can cause significant respiratory illness, especially among infants and young children, and that vaccination according to recommendations is one of the most effective tools to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. He recommended consulting a doctor if symptoms such as cough, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, wheezing, or difficulty eating and drinking appear.