RSV antibody injection

The RSV antibody injection is a long-acting monoclonal antibody specifically designed to combat RSV, providing passive immunity. This means it provides immediate antibodies upon injection without waiting for the immune system to react. It offers protection for at least five months, and antibodies can last up to a year. It can effectively reduce the risk of RSV-related hospitalization in babies by 80%.

RSV is prevalent in Hong Kong year-round, unlike seasonal influenza which has clear seasonal peaks.

The highest number of hospitalizations occurs in infants and young children. Since 2023–24, the average hospitalization rate for babies under 1 year old is approximately 3,121 cases per 100,000 people, with a particularly high hospitalization rate for babies under 6 months old.

For babies under 1 year old hospitalized due to RSV, the median length of stay is typically about 3–4 days.

Among babies under 1 year old, the hospitalization rate due to RSV is approximately 2.9 times higher than that for influenza, meaning RSV is more likely to lead to hospitalization in young children than influenza.

Protection before one year of age is extremely important! 🛡️

Some parents worry that the effect will wear off after a year. Data shows that even a year after vaccination, vaccinated babies still have a 50% reduced risk of infection compared to unvaccinated babies!