Vaccine that protects against bronchiolitis arrives in Brazil

Developed by Pfizer, the vaccine is the only one in Brazil recommended for the elderly and babies, the two groups that are vulnerable to infections caused by the virus. The first doses of the Abrysvo vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), one of the causes of bronchiolitis, arrive at medical centers, research and private vaccination clinics in Brazil, starting this week. It is estimated that the Respiratory Syncytial Virus is responsible for 84% of hospitalizations in Brazil for respiratory infections in children under 12 months of age.

According to information released this Thursday (31) by the pharmaceutical company, distribution and access to the vaccine will be facilitated through the PAHO revolving fund for access to vaccines. This program has been in existence for over 40 years, focused entirely on ensuring that vaccines are safe and of good quality, as well as affordable prices for PAHO member countries and territories throughout the region.

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^{Vaccination against bronchiolitis in pregnant women (Photo: reproduction/ Getty Images Embed/ ArtMarie)}

Groups that can take the vaccine

Approved since April this year, Abrysvo is recommended for pregnant women and the elderly. Pregnant women should review a single dose of the vaccine between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation as a way of offering an immune response against respiratory infections caused by the respiratory syncytial virus in babies. Adriana Ribeiro, director and doctor at Pfizer Brazil, explains that “When the mother receives the vaccine, the antibodies she produces cross the placenta, strengthening the baby's body, whose immune system continues to develop. The development of vaccines for pregnant women is considered a priority by the World Health Organization (WHO), which can reduce infant mortality rates, alleviate the burden on pediatric hospital units and, of course, avoid this strong impact on families” andexplains. For seniors over 60 years of age, the indication for vaccination is a single dose “Older people are also a risk group for serious developments of RSV infection. These complications can even aggravate or destabilize pre-existing health conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes and nephropathies.”says the doctor.

Prices for the bronchiolitis vaccine and how to find it in Brazil

Prices for the Abrysvo vaccine may vary according to the clinic and laboratory in which it is being offered, as the vaccine is available in Dasa laboratories, such as Alta diagnostics in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Delboni and Lavoisier (SP), Sérgio Franco and Bronstein (RJ), Cerpe and Boris Berenstein (PE), Exame (DF), Leme (BA), Frischmann-Aisengart (PR), Lustosa and São Marcos (MG), among several brands in the chain. The cost of the dose in these locations is R$1,650. In Fleury group laboratories, the price of a single dose of the vaccine varies from R$ 1,620.00 to R$ 1,830.00, and the vaccine is available in its regional brand units throughout Brazil.

Featured photo Vaccination in the elderly (reproduction/ Getty Images Embed/ Javier Zayas Photography)