Paraguay Extends Vaccination Campaign Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Paraguay's Expanded Immunization Program (PAI) has announced an extension of its vaccination campaign against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a move aimed at curbing the current high circulation of respiratory viruses nationwide. The campaign will now run throughout August, offering continued protection for infants.

The decision to prolong the vaccination drive is based on data from sentinel surveillance systems, which monitor respiratory illnesses in ten healthcare centers. These systems track the prevalence of RSV and other respiratory viruses. Luis Cousirat, director of PAI, stated that the response from families has been "very good," with 95% of babies born this season already receiving the vaccine. However, he emphasized the ongoing viral circulation as the reason for the extension.

RSV is the primary cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young infants, posing a significant risk of severe illness and hospitalization. The Paraguayan Society of Pediatrics (SPP) urges families to check vaccination records or visit the nearest clinic to ensure their babies receive the Nirsevimab vaccine, which is administered free of charge. To date, 52,901 infants have been protected, achieving 95% coverage for newborns this season and 91% of the planned targets. The recovery strategy for infants born before the campaign began has reached 68% coverage.