RSV Vaccine: Fewer Babies Hospitalized This Winter – Netherlands Update

A widespread vaccination program against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is significantly reducing the number of infants requiring intensive care in the Netherlands, according to recent data from the Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu (RIVM), the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.

Approximately three-quarters of infants in the Netherlands have received the RSV injection over the past few months. ICU admissions for RSV have plummeted. Between September 29, 2025, and February 1, 2026, just 43 infants were admitted to Dutch pediatric intensive care units with RSV infections. This represents a dramatic 75% decrease compared to the 178 admissions recorded during the same period in the 2024-2025 season.

The RSV injection was added to the National Immunisation Programme in September 2025 and is administered by Youth Healthcare Services (JGZ). The current season’s offering extends to babies born through the end of March. Health officials emphasize that earlier administration of the injection provides optimal protection.

RSV poses the greatest risk to very young children, often leading to hospitalization due to respiratory complications. While the virus continues to circulate in the Netherlands, the impact of the vaccination program is already evident.

Reduced Strain on Healthcare System

The positive impact of the RSV injection extends beyond reduced ICU admissions. Pediatricians report a noticeable decrease in the overall burden of RSV infections, alleviating pressure on already strained pediatric intensive care units. “In the paediatric ICU, we are now seeing a clear decrease in the number of patients with an RSV infection. Also, the huge pressure that we normally experience in winter in terms of the number of available beds in the children’s ICU has decreased,” said Dr. Valerie Sloof, a pediatrician at the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital.

Understanding RSV and the New Immunization

RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious infections, particularly in infants and young children. These infections can lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia. While typically mild in adults, RSV can be dangerous for vulnerable infants.

The current RSV immunization differs from traditional vaccines. It utilizes passive immunization, delivering preformed antibodies – specifically nirsevimab – directly to the infant. This provides immediate protection, as the body doesn’t need to develop its own immune response. The protection lasts for approximately six months, typically covering the peak RSV season from October to March.

Studies from other countries, including Spain, Portugal, and Belgium, which implemented the injection earlier, have shown approximately an 80% reduction in RSV-related hospitalizations following its introduction.

Safety and Administration

The RSV injection has a favorable safety profile. Reported side effects are generally mild and transient, including skin rash, swelling or redness at the injection site, and fever. These align with reports submitted to Lareb, the Netherlands’ Center for Drug Reaction Monitoring.

While fever in infants younger than three months may be a side effect of the injection, healthcare providers recommend contacting a physician to rule out other potential causes.

The timing of the injection depends on the baby’s birthdate. Infants born between October 1st and March 31st receive the injection within two weeks of birth, often at home. Those born between April 1st and September 30th receive the injection in September or October, just before the start of the RSV season.

Health officials note the high uptake of the RSV injection, alongside the HPV vaccine, indicates a growing awareness among parents regarding the risks of RSV to newborns. “This is an illness that many parents have heard about, and we see that it worries them,” stated Jeanne-Marie Hament, head of the national immunisation programme.

While the RSV injection offers significant protection, it’s important to remember that it’s not a complete shield against infection. Continued vigilance and adherence to good hygiene practices remain crucial in preventing the spread of RSV.