Starting this week, the vaccine against the RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is entering the national vaccination schedule in Israel. This is a historic step, as it is the first time in over a decade that a new vaccine has been added to the routine immunizations. The vaccine is provided free of charge to all infants up to one year old and represents a revolution in preventing life-threatening winter illnesses.
What is the RSV virus and why is it dangerous?
RSV is the most common cause of respiratory infections among infants and toddlers. Almost every child is infected by the age of two, and the first infection is usually the most severe.
The danger is especially high in infants because their airways are very narrow, their immune systems are immature, and they may develop severe bronchiolitis, high fever, acute respiratory distress, and even require mechanical ventilation. Premature babies, very young infants, and children with chronic illnesses are at particularly high risk.
Who is eligible for vaccination and where can it be administered?
- Infants born between September 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, will receive the vaccine at the hospital before being discharged home.
- Infants born earlier can receive the vaccine at Tipat Halav starting in September.
- The vaccine is available to all infants, including preemies, without exception.
The new vaccine replaces the previous protection, which was only available for preemies and required five costly monthly injections.
How effective is the vaccine?
Comprehensive international studies have found that the vaccine:
- Reduces hospitalizations by over 80%, especially in intensive care.
- Lowers mortality rates from the virus.
- Reduces long-term complications.
- Also reduces transmission and overall morbidity.
Countries that have already included the vaccine in their national vaccination schedules reported a dramatic decrease in the burden on pediatric wards in winter.
Is the vaccine safe?
The vaccine has been tested on tens of thousands of infants worldwide and has been found to be completely safe.
Side effects are rare and mild: Slight redness at the injection site, low fever, or irritability – usually disappearing within a day or two.
How many doses are required?
Another piece of good news for parents: Just one dose for the entire winter season.
While the old vaccine required five monthly doses, the new vaccine provides comprehensive protection for the entire season in a single shot.
The vaccine is expected to significantly reduce the number of hospitalizations in pediatric wards and intensive care units. This means:
- Less strain on hospitals.
- Fewer hospitalization days.
- Less suffering for infants and parents.
Since there is no specific drug treatment for RSV, until now only supportive care could be provided (fever reduction, oxygen administration, IV fluids, or ventilation in severe cases). The vaccine changes the entire picture.
What about pregnant women?
Another innovation is vaccination for pregnant women between weeks 28 and 36 of pregnancy. The vaccine allows antibodies to be passed through the placenta, providing the newborn with immediate protection during the first months of life.
A study of approximately 7,000 pregnant women found the vaccine safe and 82% effective in preventing severe disease. However, for now, it is not included in Israel’s health basket.
When to see a doctor?
Warning signs that require urgent medical attention:
- Difficulty breathing or unusually rapid breathing.
- Skin turning blue.
- Refusal to eat or drink, signs of dehydration (little urine).
- High fever that does not subside even after treatment.
- Extreme drowsiness or difficulty waking the baby.
In such cases, contact a doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.
The introduction of the RSV vaccine into Israel’s national vaccination schedule is a historic medical milestone. Thanks to it, every infant can receive effective and safe protection against a particularly dangerous respiratory virus – thereby reducing hospitalizations, complications, and mortality.
Prof. Malena Cohen-Cymberknoh , Director of the Pediatric Pulmonology Unit at Hadassah Hospitals