Norway's public health authority now officially recommends including RSV protection in the national vaccination program. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health has delivered a report to health authorities advising that vaccines or antibodies against respiratory syncytial virus become part of routine childhood immunizations.
This recommendation could significantly reduce hospitalizations among infants. RSV remains the most common cause of hospital admissions for children under one year old. Between 1-2 percent of all infants under twelve months require hospitalization annually due to the virus.
A mother who paid 2,500 kroner for private RSV vaccination welcomes the development. She hopes the official recommendation will make the protection accessible to more families. Having a seriously ill child creates substantial strain for families, she noted.
Respiratory syncytial virus causes outbreaks every winter. Approximately 60-70 percent of children experience RSV infection during their first year. While most cases remain mild, the virus can cause severe respiratory illness, particularly in infants.
Professor Hedvig Nordeng from the University of Oslo's Pharmaceutical Institute supports the recommendation. She calls it excellent and timely, aligning with what expert communities have positively discussed. Many women remain unfamiliar with RSV risks, she observed.
The virus hits newborns and infants hardest. We must protect the very youngest, and here we have an effective vaccine that does exactly that, Nordeng stated. She believes many Norwegian women would use RSV vaccination during pregnancy if included in the program.
Health officials consider both long-acting monoclonal antibodies and maternal vaccination as good alternatives for this purpose. The clear recommendation should make it easier for healthcare staff to advise pregnant women wondering about the vaccine's benefits.
Norway follows other European nations in this move. Denmark will offer RSV vaccine to all pregnant women starting this autumn. The United Kingdom and United States already provide this option. Sweden and Finland have implemented antibody protection for newborns.
Countries that introduced these measures report notable decreases in hospital admissions. Vaccine or antibody protection could reduce RSV illness by 60 to 90 percent, according to experts.
The updated vaccination handbook now recommends pregnant women receive the RSV vaccine. Previously, they only received advice to consider vaccination. This change represents a significant shift in Norway's approach to respiratory virus protection.
RSV vaccine Abrysvo became available in Norway last year but requires private payment. Antibody treatment for infants remains unavailable in the country. The new recommendation could change both accessibility and funding structures.
International evidence shows strong protection results. European nations that implemented similar programs observe dramatic reductions in severe childhood illness. This aligns with Norway's public health goals of preventing serious disease where effective interventions exist.
The burden extends beyond families to hospital pediatric departments. Reducing RSV hospitalizations would free healthcare resources while protecting vulnerable infants. This dual benefit makes the recommendation particularly compelling for health authorities.