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Argentina Launches Nationwide Maternal RSV Vaccination to Protect Newborns Before Winter

Health authorities say the free late‑pregnancy dose passes protective antibodies to babies to reduce severe bronchiolitis in the first months of life.

Overview

  • The campaign began simultaneously across the country on January 12 for pregnancies between 32 and 36 weeks, is free, requires no medical order, and only needs proof of gestational week.
  • The vaccine, authorized by ANMAT for use in pregnancy, is procured and distributed by the national government, while provinces and Buenos Aires City manage delivery through local vaccinatory networks.
  • Starting in January is designed to precede the usual March–April rise in RSV circulation, with each jurisdiction setting an end date based on viral surveillance.
  • Preliminary 2025 data showed about 65% coverage and a 62% reduction in infant hospitalizations with a 70% drop in ICU admissions among babies under six months.
  • Provinces are setting local goals and timelines—Mendoza aims to vaccinate about 11,000 pregnant people through August 31—while Rosario hospitals report fewer severe cases and a smaller share of hospitalizations among infants under six months after last year’s rollout.