OPS Alert: Get Vaccinated Against Influenza & Respiratory Viruses
PAHO Urges Vaccination and vigilance amid Respiratory Virus Surge in the Americas
Table of Contents
- PAHO Urges Vaccination and vigilance amid Respiratory Virus Surge in the Americas
- Influenza Activity on the Rise
- PAHO Recommendations
- Vaccination Week in the americas
- regional Situation Summary
- Preventative Measures
- COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters
- RSV Prevention
- Respiratory Virus Surge in the Americas: Your Questions Answered by a Health expert
- 1. What’s the main concern regarding respiratory viruses in the Americas right now?
- 2. Why is influenza (flu) a particular concern this year?
- 3. What specific actions is PAHO recommending to combat the spread of respiratory viruses?
- 4. What is the role of Vaccination Week in the Americas (SVA)?
- 5. How does the respiratory virus situation differ across the Americas?
- 6. What are the best ways to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses?
- 7. What are PAHO’s recommendations regarding COVID-19 boosters?
- 8. What are the options for RSV prevention, especially for infants and newborns?
- 9. How does Nirsevimab work?
- 10. How does the RSVpreF vaccine work?
- 11. What are the recommendations for using these preventative RSV products?
- 12.Are there any RSV vaccines available for older adults?
- 13. What other measures are recommended in addition to vaccination?
- 14. Where can I find more information about respiratory viruses and vaccinations?
Washington D.C. – As the Southern Hemisphere approaches its season of heightened respiratory virus activity, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is urging member states to bolster their health services and prioritize vaccinations against influenza, RSV, and COVID-19.
Influenza Activity on the Rise
PAHO reports that in Central America, influenza A (H1N1) is showing renewed activity after a period of decline. This resurgence underscores the need for proactive measures to mitigate potential strain on healthcare systems.
PAHO Recommendations
In an epidemiological alert, PAHO/WHO emphasized the importance of strengthened surveillance for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2. The organization calls for:
- Adopting necessary prevention and control measures.
- Ensuring early diagnosis and appropriate clinical management, particularly for high-risk populations.
- Guaranteeing widespread vaccination against respiratory viruses, aiming for high coverage in vulnerable groups.
- Maintaining adequate provision and organization of health services.
- Strict adherence to infection prevention and control protocols.
- Ensuring sufficient supplies of antivirals and personal protective equipment.
- Communicating effectively with the public and healthcare professionals about risks and preventative actions.
Vaccination Week in the americas
PAHO highlights Vaccination Week in the Americas (SVA), observed from April 23-30, 2025, as a crucial chance to update vaccinations against influenza and COVID-19. Select countries are also using this period to promote RSV immunization.
regional Situation Summary
While North America and parts of the Caribbean are experiencing a decline from high levels of respiratory virus activity, PAHO emphasizes the need for continued vigilance across the Americas.
Preventative Measures
PAHO emphasizes that interpersonal contact is the primary mode of transmission for manny respiratory viruses. Frequent handwashing remains the most effective way to reduce transmission.
“The main mode of transmission is interpersonal contact. Handwashing is the most efficient way to reduce transmission,”
Pan American Health Organization
Practicing respiratory etiquette, such as covering coughs and sneezes, is also crucial.
Individuals experiencing fever should avoid workplaces and public spaces until their fever subsides. school-aged children with respiratory symptoms or fever should stay home from school.
COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters
PAHO recommends that high-risk groups receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose 6 to 12 months after their last dose. The Strategic Advisory group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) advises that all individuals 6 months and older receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine if they have not already done so.
RSV Prevention
PAHO has authorized two products to prevent severe RSV disease in newborns and infants: nirsevimab and an RSV prefusion F protein vaccine (RSVpreF).
Nirsevimab
Nirsevimab is a long-acting recombinant monoclonal antibody targeting the RSV prefusion F protein. Clinical trials and post-authorization studies in high-income countries have demonstrated its safety and effectiveness in infants.
RSVpreF Vaccine
RSVpreF is a bivalent prefusion F protein vaccine administered to pregnant women to protect newborns through antibody transfer. A phase 3 clinical trial showed high efficacy against lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) positive for RSV in infants up to 180 days after birth.
This vaccine has been authorized for use in pregnant women in several countries in the region, including Argentina, Canada, the United states, and Uruguay.
SAGE on WHO immunization recommended in September 2024 that all countries introduce these products for the prevention of severe disease.
For countries opting to use the maternal vaccine, SAGE recommends a single dose in the third trimester of pregnancy (≥28 weeks of gestation in most settings).
For countries choosing to use nirsevimab, SAGE recommends a single dose administered to all infants at birth or as soon as possible afterward, if an annual approach is adopted.
With a seasonal approach, nirsevimab should be administered to all infants born during the RSV season and children ≤12 months of age entering the season.
Three vaccines are also available for preventing RSV illness in older adults (≥60 years), approved by the U.S.Food and Drug Governance (FDA). Clinical trials have demonstrated their efficacy in reducing the risk of severe RSV-associated disease.
Currently, several vaccines and long-acting monoclonal antibodies for RSV disease prevention are in clinical research phases, alongside significant advancements in understanding the immune response to RSV.
Along with immunization, PAHO recommends personal measures such as hand hygiene, physical distancing, respiratory etiquette, mask use, and staying home when sick to limit the transmission of respiratory viruses.
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Respiratory Virus Surge in the Americas: Your Questions Answered by a Health expert
As the Southern Hemisphere braces for the annual rise in respiratory viruses, it’s crucial to stay informed and proactive. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recently issued a call for increased vigilance, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and preventative measures. This article will break down PAHO’s recommendations, address your most pressing questions, and provide you with the information you need to protect yourself and your loved ones.
1. What’s the main concern regarding respiratory viruses in the Americas right now?
The primary concern is the approaching season of heightened respiratory virus activity, especially in the Southern Hemisphere. PAHO is urging member states to prepare for a potential surge in cases of influenza, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and COVID-19, which can put a strain on healthcare systems.
2. Why is influenza (flu) a particular concern this year?
According to PAHO, influenza A (H1N1) is re-emerging in Central America after a period of decline.This resurgence highlights the need for early intervention and proactive measures to prevent widespread transmission and potential complications.
3. What specific actions is PAHO recommending to combat the spread of respiratory viruses?
PAHO is emphasizing a multi-pronged approach, including:
Strengthened Surveillance: Monitoring for influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2.
Prevention & Control: Implementing necessary measures to curb the spread of viruses.
Early diagnosis & Management: Ensuring swift diagnosis and proper clinical care, especially for high-risk populations.
Widespread Vaccination: Achieving high vaccination coverage, especially among vulnerable groups.
Adequate Health services: Maintaining sufficient resources and organization within healthcare facilities.
Infection Control: Adhering strictly to proven infection prevention and control protocols.
Supplies: ensuring sufficient supply of antivirals and PPE.
Communication: Effectively informing the public and healthcare professionals.
4. What is the role of Vaccination Week in the Americas (SVA)?
Vaccination Week in the Americas (April 23-30, 2025) is a crucial chance to update vaccinations against influenza and COVID-19. Some countries are also using this period to promote RSV immunization. This initiative serves as a significant platform to increase vaccination rates and protect communities.
5. How does the respiratory virus situation differ across the Americas?
While North America and parts of the Caribbean are seeing a decline in respiratory virus activity, PAHO stresses the need for continued vigilance throughout the Americas. This underscores the importance of adapting prevention and control measures to the specific situation in each region.
6. What are the best ways to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses?
PAHO underscores that most respiratory viruses spread through interpersonal contact. The most effective ways to reduce transmission include:
Frequent and Thorough Handwashing: Washing hands with soap and water frequently.
Respiratory Etiquette: Covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue.
Staying Home When Sick: Avoiding workplaces and public spaces when experiencing fever or other respiratory symptoms. Children should stay home from school if they have symptoms.
Mask use consider using masks when in crowds or when in poorly ventilated spaces.
7. What are PAHO’s recommendations regarding COVID-19 boosters?
PAHO recommends that high-risk groups (e.g., elderly, immunocompromised) receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose between 6 and 12 months after their last dose. Furthermore, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) advises that everyone aged 6 months and older should receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine if they haven’t already.
8. What are the options for RSV prevention, especially for infants and newborns?
PAHO has authorized two key products to prevent severe RSV disease in newborns and infants:
Nirsevimab: A long-acting monoclonal antibody.
RSVpreF vaccine: A vaccine administered to pregnant women to protect newborns.
9. How does Nirsevimab work?
Nirsevimab is a long-acting recombinant monoclonal antibody targeting the RSV prefusion F protein. Clinical trials have proven its safety and efficacy in infants.
10. How does the RSVpreF vaccine work?
The RSVpreF vaccine is a bivalent prefusion F protein vaccine given to pregnant women. It then protects the newborn through antibody transfer, according to a phase 3 trial testing its efficacy in infants. It has been authorized for use in pregnant women in Argentina, Canada, the United States, and Uruguay.
11. What are the recommendations for using these preventative RSV products?
SAGE recommends that all countries introduce these products to prevent severe disease.
For maternal vaccines, a single dose in the third trimester of pregnancy (≥28 weeks) is recommended.
For Nirsevimab, a single dose should be administered to all infants at birth or as soon as possible afterward. A seasonal approach advises management to infants born during RSV season and to children ≤12 months entering the season.
12.Are there any RSV vaccines available for older adults?
Yes, three vaccines have received approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for preventing RSV illness in people aged 60 years and older. Clinical trials have shown their effectiveness in reducing the risk of severe RSV-associated disease.
13. What other measures are recommended in addition to vaccination?
Along with vaccination, PAHO recommends:
Hand Hygiene: Frequent handwashing.
Physical Distancing: Maintaining distance from others when possible.
Respiratory Etiquette: Covering coughs and sneezes.
Mask Use: wearing a mask when needed.
Staying Home When Sick: Remaining home to avoid spreading illness.
14. Where can I find more information about respiratory viruses and vaccinations?
For more detailed information:
Consult your healthcare provider.
Visit the PAHO website (paho.org).
Check the websites of your local health authorities and national health organizations.
Conclusion:
the information in this blog post is meant to keep you informed and prepared. Staying informed about respiratory viruses and adhering to recommended preventive measures is key to safeguarding public health. By staying informed and following PAHO’s recommendations, we can collectively reduce the impact of these viruses and protect our communities.