Universal RSV vaccination programme could free up thousands of hospital beds
Public health experts are advocating for a universal RSV vaccination program in New Zealand to reduce hospitalizations among children. International evidence suggests such programs can significantly decrease the burden on healthcare services and improve health equity.
Why it matters
Implementing a universal vaccination strategy could alleviate winter pressure on hospitals and prevent thousands of pediatric hospitalizations annually.
With thousands of children under five hospitalised each year with RSV, experts want New Zealand to catch up with other countries and introduce a universal vaccination programme.
A new briefing from the Public Health Communication Centre has shown it could free up thousands of hospital beds each year.
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common respiratory illness that causes lung and respiratory tract infections, with similar symptoms to a cold - but in young children, it can cause serious complications.
Lead author and paediatric infectious disease specialist Dr Hazel Dobinson said immunisation had transformed prevention overseas.
International evidence had shown immunisation programmes reduced hospitalisations from respiratory syncytial virus by up to 90 percent, easing winter pressure on health services and improving health equity.
In Australia, the ABC reported New South Wales are hailing a vaccination program that's nearly halved hospitalisations ahead of the winter peak as a "fantastic" success.
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