Health plans expand coverage of nirsevimab for premature babies throughout the year

Bebês born before 37 weeks of gestation covered by health plans gain access to protection against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) at any time of the year. The change, approved by Agência Nacional of Saúde Suplementar (ANS) and in force since Sunday (25), eliminates the seasonal restriction for nirsevimab, an antibody that prevents severe forms of the infection.

Medication coverage was already mandatory for premature infants in supplementary healthcare. The new rule prohibits plans from restricting access to months traditionally associated with the peak of RSV circulation, guaranteeing protection throughout the 12 months of the year.

Barreira to protect premature babies disappears

Bebês born outside the window of greatest viral circulation no longer had coverage even though they belonged to the group at highest risk for complications. Segundo Flávia Bravo, director of Sociedade Brasileira of Imunizações (SBIm), the new rule eliminates this barrier that prevented some premature babies from accessing the medicine.

The change also facilitates the organization of medical care. With protection available throughout the year, the application can be planned even in the maternity ward, without depending on the epidemiological calendar.

Why RSV worries pediatricians

The respiratory syncytial virus infects people of all ages and usually causes symptoms similar to those of a common cold. In small babies, however, the infection reaches the deepest regions of the lungs and triggers bronchiolitis — inflammation of the small airways.

The disease causes accumulation of secretions in the bronchioles, structures responsible for the passage of air. Effects include wheezing, difficulty breathing, decreased oxygenation and need for hospital admission.

Estima Almost all children are expected to have contact with RSV by the age of 2. The most serious forms are concentrated in the first months of life, when the immune system is still developing.

Prematuridade increases vulnerability

Bebês premature babies are born with smaller lungs and airways, as well as a less mature immune system. Essa combination significantly increases the risk of progression to serious conditions, admission to intensive care units and death.

For this reason, RSV prevention strategies prioritize this vulnerable group:

• Bebês born before 37 weeks of gestation
• Menores 12 months old (health insurance coverage)
• 6 month old Menores (Programa Nacional of Imunizações)
• Crianças with clinical conditions that increase the risk of complications

Health plan coverage covers children up to 12 months of age, in line with the recommendations of the main Brazilian medical societies.

Como does nirsevimab work

Diferentemente of traditional vaccines, nirsevimab does not teach the body to produce antibodies. The medicine already contains the antibody ready to recognize and neutralize the virus. Dessa form, even if the child becomes infected, the chance of developing serious complications decreases significantly.

Ele does not prevent infection, but it reduces hospitalizations, intensive care unit admissions, and RSV-related deaths. The objective is to protect the most vulnerable babies during the period of greatest risk.

Sinais requiring medical evaluation

The first symptoms may resemble a common cold, but some signs indicate the need for immediate medical attention:

• Respiração accelerated or effort to breathe
• Movimentação intense nostrils when breathing
• Afundamento of the ribs during breathing
• Chiado in the lungs
• Dificuldade to breastfeed
• Excessive Sonolência
• Redução important from usual activity
• Lábios purplish or signs of low oxygenation

In more serious cases, complications may arise that require hospitalization. Parents should seek medical attention when observing any of these signs in babies born prematurely.