The Ñuble Health Service (SSÑ) has started a home immunization program with the drug Nirsevimab to protect infants and newborns against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
This initiative puts Chile at the forefront in Latin America, being the first country on the continent to offer this long-lasting monoclonal antibody designed specifically to prevent serious respiratory infections in children.
For more than a month, health facilities in Ñuble have been administering Nirsevimab, focusing on infants born after October 1, 2023, as well as high-risk children covered by the Ricarte Soto Law up to 24 months.
The goal is to significantly decrease the risks of hospitalization in premature babies or those with developing immune systems.
Elizabeth Abarca Triviño, Director of the SSÑ, highlighted the importance of this effort: “We are strengthening our healthcare network for the winter and we call on parents to be part of this vital inoculation strategy.”
In addition, Eugenia Riveros Pincheira, Deputy Director of Care Management of the SSÑ, highlighted the concern about the low levels of coverage in high-risk groups, pointing out that the region has reached 76.53% coverage in infants, but only 22% and 21% in children benefited by the Ricarte Soto Law and premature children, respectively.
Parents and caregivers can register children on the Health Service website so that professionals can visit their homes and carry out the immunization free of charge.
For questions and guidance, the community can contact Salud Responde at 600 360 7777, available 24 hours a day.
