Bronchiolitis and respiratory infections caused by RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes annual epidemics of respiratory infections in Luxembourg, running from September to February, with peak activity in December or January. Infections can be severe in very young children (bronchiolitis) and in the elderly.

Since 2023, it has been possible to protect infants against RSV in Luxembourg either by vaccinating the mother during pregnancy or by administering monoclonal antibodies (a preventive treatment) to the newborn at birth or during their first few months of life. The Abrysvo® vaccine is available at doctors' offices; it is recommended to consult your obstetrician or general practitioner. The preventive treatment Beyfortus® is available at all maternity hospitals in the country as well as from pediatricians. R

SV can also cause severe infections in older adults. It is responsible for an increase in hospitalizations and mortality among frail elderly people, particularly those with chronic conditions. Vaccination is now recommended for individuals aged 65 and older who have risk factors or comorbidities, as well as for all individuals aged 75 and older, particularly patients living in residential care facilities for the elderly. The mRESVIA® vaccine has been available at doctors' offices since September 2026. Contact your doctor for more information and/or to make an appointment.

Vaccination method

For infants

For newborns and infants born during the period of high RSV circulation (September to February)

• Either: vaccination of the pregnant woman (1 intramuscular vaccine injection between the 32nd and 36th week of pregnancy)
• Or: immunization of the newborn with the preventive treatment via intramuscular injection directly at the maternity hospital (or, alternatively, at the pediatrician's office upon discharge)

For newborns and infants under 6 months of age born outside the period of high RSV circulation (March to August)

• 1 intramuscular injection of the preventive treatment at the start of the season

For older adults

• 1 intramuscular vaccine injection