News | RIVM

Injection against RSV now available

Starting today, babies can get an injection against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The injection protects babies against severe illness resulting from the virus. The RSV antibody injection offers almost immediate protection, lasting about 6 months.

Protection against RSV for babies from September 2025

Starting in September 2025, babies can get an injection against RSV. The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause serious respiratory infections, especially in young babies. Between 1,500 and 3,000 babies end up in hospital every year as a result of RSV. The injection protects babies against severe illness resulting from the virus during their first year of life.

More people with RSV infections

More people in the Netherlands are infected with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This virus is mainly seen in winter. Most adults with RSV only have a nasal cold. However, babies under 12 months can become very ill.

Respiratory infections now in season

It is October and seasonal respiratory infections are on the rise. In autumn and winter, there is an increase in people who are coughing and sneezing. Various viruses or bacteria can cause a respiratory infection.

Respiratory infections season started

More and more people are coughing and sneezing, although it is not an epidemic at this point. The season in which respiratory infections circulate in the Netherlands has now started. There are various viruses that can cause respiratory infections.

RSV summer peak possibly caused by declining antibodies during COVID-19 pandemic

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common virus that causes cold symptoms. In particularly, young children and vulnerable older people are more likely to become seriously ill if they get it.

High rates of RSV in children over the summer, and a late flu epidemic in the 2021-2022 season

Hospitals reported an unusually large number of children presenting with RSV over the summer of 2021.

Better monitoring of RSV thanks to new European project

RIVM and Nivel contribute to building a European RSV monitoring network. Through the network, European health institutions and laboratories will exchange data on the spread of RSV. This will help us to better monitor the virus.