Costa Rica Launches Historic Immunization Campaign to Protect Newborns from Respiratory Syncytial Virus
San José, Jun 2 (Elpaís.cr) – Costa Rica is making history by launching a national immunization campaign aimed at pregnant women. This initiative targets the syncytial respiratory virus (VRS), a significant threat to newborns’ health in the country.
Prenatal Vaccination: A Transcendental Moment in Public Health
As of this week, mothers-to-be between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation are receiving a free vaccine that offers protection to babies during their first six months of life. Led by the Ministry of Health and the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), with technical support from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the campaign has acquired 50 thousand doses for distribution nationwide.
Fighting a Persistent Threat
The syncytial respiratory virus, a common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and young children, can lead to severe complications requiring hospitalization, especially in children under six months. Over the last three years, the National Children’s Hospital has reported 110 deaths associated with the VRS and other severe acute respiratory diseases.
In response, authorities are prioritizing preventive actions during the rainy season to reduce the virus’s impact. “Early protection can make the difference between life and death in the most critical cases,” noted an official statement from the Ministry of Health.
How the Vaccination Scheme Works
The vaccination scheme involves a single dose applied between weeks 32 and 36 of pregnancy. This dose stimulates the production of antibodies in the mother, which are then transferred to the fetus through the placenta, providing protection to the baby in its early months.
Costa Rica on the Forefront of Latin American Health Solutions
By implementing this vaccine, Costa Rica has positioned itself as one of the first countries in Latin America to adopt prenatal immunization against the VRS. PAHO has supported the strategy, considering it a model for other nations in the region.
“The country is demonstrating leadership in public health, prioritizing the prevention and care of the most vulnerable since before birth,” said representatives from PAHO.
Ongoing Evaluation and Future Campaigns
The health authorities will continuously evaluate the impact of this campaign to document its benefits and identify opportunities for future interventions. This effort aligns with other recent actions aimed at reducing infant morbidity and mortality, such as promoting breastfeeding and strengthening neonatal care services.
“This is another step in our commitment to the health of pregnant women and their children. Protecting newborns from serious diseases is an investment in the future of the country,” concluded Vice Minister of Health Mariela Marín.
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