Should France follow the British example to protect itself from the VRS?

The United Kingdom anticipates. A few months from winter, the National Health Service (NHS, the United Kingdom’s public health system) encourages pregnant women to be vaccinated against the syncytial respiratory virus (VRS), causing bronchiolitis, a respiratory viral infection of small bronchi.

Bronchiolitis, a seasonal epidemic

“Australian winter [qui a lieu entre les mois de juin et d’août, NDLR] is often a good indicator of how viruses will spread in England, Indicates the NHS press release. After a record number of infections at VRS last year in Australia, these have been increasing regularly since the beginning of 2025 in many regions, affecting almost half of children aged 0 to 4 years. ”

The bronchiolitis epidemic is seasonal. In France as in England, it generally begins in mid-October and ends at the end of winter, with a peak during the month of December, according to the Ministry of Health.

“If, in most adults, the VRS only causes light symptoms, similar to those of a cold, it can lead to serious respiratory problems in the elderly and young children, which can require hospitalization“Indicates Kate Brintworth, chief midwife of the NHS. In anticipation of next winter, the NHS therefore targets these populations at risk.

Vaccinating pregnant women, infants and the elderly

In England, pregnant women can be vaccinated with Abrysvo from the 28th week of pregnancy. “” “[c’]is the best way to protect your baby from birth, assure Kate Brintworth. As of now, mothers must act to ensure that their baby is protected before the first months of winter, a period when microbes tend to circulate more.”

To protect premature babies, British authorities also recommend a Preventive injection of Nirsvimab (Beyfortus), a treatment that prevents the VRS from infecting the organism of newborns and infants. Finally, the last audience targeted: people aged 75 to 79, which the NHS also invites you to be vaccinated before winter.

30% of French infants affected each winter

In France, 30 % of infants under two years old are affected every winter by bronchiolitis. Health authorities recommend mothers to be vaccinated Between 32 and 36 weeks of amenorrhea. If the injection has not been made during pregnancy, all infants can benefit from the nirsevimab before their maternity unit, according to the‘Health Insurance. On the other hand, another treatment, Palivizumab (Synagis®), is reserved for the hospital for the prevention of serious forms of Vrs in prematurers and high -risk infants. Finally, the elderly (over 65 if at risk or over 75) are also invited to be vaccinated.

A prevention campaign that works. Between September 15, 2023 and January 31, 2024, around 5,800 hospitalizations for bronchiolitis after passing the emergency room were avoided in France, according to Public health France (SpF).