RSV Virus May Induce 'Bad Antibodies'; Experts Hope for Publicly Funded Prevention to Protect Children

Regarding this, Zeng Shuhui, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Centers for Disease Control (CDC), told the media that the explanation for including RSV monoclonal antibodies in public funding, according to the "Communicable Disease Control Act," states that when vaccine funds are used for new vaccine procurement, they should follow the recommendations of the central competent authority's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and prioritize based on cost-effectiveness. Zeng Shuhui said that this case was proposed twice for discussion by the ACIP on December 23, 2024, and March 27, 2025, suggesting that those with vaccination needs can self-fund based on physician assessment. The CDC will continue to compile and propose updates to the ACIP for discussion based on domestic epidemiological trends, disease burden, vaccination effectiveness, cost-benefit analysis, and vaccine fund resources. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus transmitted through droplets or contact, and it is the main cause of severe lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children. Li Bingying, chairman of the Taiwan Vaccine Promotion Association, explained at a health education press conference today that research shows almost all children in Taiwan have been infected with RSV before the age of 2 to 3, with infants under 6 months being the most frequent. The hospitalization rate for infants under 1 year due to RSV infection is approximately between 0.95% and 1.71%. Notably, Li Bingying pointed out that the immune response to RSV is very special; natural infection produces both good and bad antibodies. The bad antibodies cannot kill the virus and instead "drag the virus into cells," making the immunity produced by "natural infection" unusually poor. Li Bingying stated that vaccination or monoclonal antibodies to prevent RSV are more effective than natural infection. At least 30 countries worldwide have included it in publicly funded prevention, thus urging the government to better protect children. Chen Xiuxi, professor at the Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, pointed out that research shows severe RSV infection requiring hospitalization can last up to 24 days, incurring high costs and having far-reaching impacts on families and society. Preventive antibodies can reduce hospitalization, ICU use, and mortality, and decrease overall medical expenditures. For high-risk infants, every NT$1 invested can yield approximately NT$450, with a payback period of about 3 to 6 months, demonstrating high policy promotion value. (Editor: Li Hengshan) 1150409