Anvisa authorizes registration of vaccine to prevent bronchiolitis

The National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) made official yesterday in the Official Gazette of the Union the authorization for the registration of the Abrysvo vaccine, produced by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer. The vaccine is intended to combat respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a pathogenic agent known for causing respiratory tract infections, especially bronchiolitis.

The Abrysvo vaccine is specifically targeted at pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation. When immunizing pregnant women, the aim is to provide indirect protection to newborns and babies up to 6 months of age.

This group, along with the elderly, is considered especially susceptible to developing severe forms of RSV infection.

It is also worth noting that the use of the vaccine was also authorized in individuals aged 60 or over, as this is a population considered at risk.

The administration of the vaccine is carried out intramuscularly, and a single dose is required. In a statement, Anvisa reported that, as with any medication, some mild side effects were identified, such as pain at the application site, head and muscles.

It is important to highlight that before registration, the vaccine underwent international clinical studies that demonstrated its safety and effectiveness in protecting babies and the elderly.

The phase 3 study involved the participation of more than seven thousand pregnant women in 18 research centers around the world, four of them in Brazil.

Among the results obtained, the study revealed that the vaccine was able to prevent the occurrence of severe forms of respiratory diseases in children up to 3 months of age by 82% and by 69% in those up to 6 months of age. In the elderly, protection against severe respiratory conditions reaches 85.7%.

BRONCHIOLITIS

The respiratory syncytial virus is responsible for around 75% of bronchiolitis cases up to 2 years of age. The disease causes inflammation of the bronchioles, the final part of the bronchi, responsible for distributing oxygen to the lungs.

The symptoms of the disease are very similar to those of a cold. According to the Ministry of Health, the most common are: low fever, sore throat, head and runny nose.

The folder also highlights some warning signs for bronchiolitis, which indicate the need to seek medical attention.

They are: high fever, persistent cough, difficulty breathing, wheezing and purple lips and nails. Regarding treatment, there is no specific treatment for RSV, the main cause of the disease, nor against bronchiolitis.

The Ministry of Health recommends avoiding contact with infected people and reinforcing basic hygiene care, such as frequent washing of hands and potentially contaminated objects, such as toys.

Now, vaccination is a fundamental ally in preventing the condition.