As of December 15, 2024, the Ministry of Health has immunized more than 23,000 children in the Valencian Community against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This initiative, part of the second RSV immunization campaign launched on October 1, aims to prevent bronchiolitis and mitigate potential complications from RSV infections.
Campaign Scope
The program targets two main groups:
Children born between April 2024 and March 2025.
Children up to two years old with risk-related pathologies, classified as a vulnerable group.
By province, the breakdown of immunizations is as follows:
Castellón: 2,664 children – Valencia: 11,931 children – Alicante: 8,546 children
Comprehensive Delivery
The campaign will continue through March 31, 2025, with vaccinations available at health centres and maternity wards in hospitals. This dual approach ensures newborns can be vaccinated before hospital discharge, offering immediate protection.
To date, 7,550 newborns have been vaccinated in hospitals, including:
2,794 in Alicante – 3,910 in Valencia – 846 in Castellón
Additionally, 15,591 infants born between April 1 and September 30, 2024, have been immunized at health centres:
5,746 in Alicante – 8,031 in Valencia – 1,814 in Castellón
High Immunization Coverage
The current campaign mirrors the success of last season, achieving coverage rates exceeding 90% for newborns immunized in maternity wards and over 85% for infants vaccinated in primary care settings.
Reducing RSV-Related Illness
RSV is the leading cause of bronchiolitis in infants, with potential complications such as pneumonia, otitis, and chronic wheezing, often requiring hospital care. Immunization has proven effective in reducing severe cases. During the last campaign, hospital admissions for bronchiolitis decreased by 85%, alongside a significant reduction in primary care visits for RSV-related issues.
Past Campaign Success
Last year’s campaign immunized over 34,000 children, achieving 95% coverage in maternity wards and 90% for infants born between April and September. This high coverage helped prevent over 80% of RSV-related illnesses among infants.
The Ministry of Health continues to emphasize the importance of immunization to protect children from severe RSV infections and their complications.
