France expands bronchiolitis prevention with new monoclonal antibodies
France expands bronchiolitis prevention with approved antibodies and vaccines starting September 2026.
Event / Health
France Bronchiolitis Prevention Campaign
France launches comprehensive bronchiolitis prevention campaign for 2026-2027 season with expanded treatment options including new monoclonal antibody Enflonsia and continued use of Beyfortus, Synagis, and maternal vaccination with Abrysvo. Previous campaigns since 2023 protected over 450,000 infants and reduced severe cases. Regional data from 2024-2025 shows epidemic duration decreased to 8 weeks from 13 weeks with 79 intensive care cases versus 108 previously.
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2026-09-14 to 2026-11-06 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 14 Sept, 18:16 UTC
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What happened
2024-2025 bronchiolitis season in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes shows moderate epidemic with reduced severity
The 2024-2025 bronchiolitis season in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region was of moderate intensity and shorter duration than the previous season, lasting 8 weeks compared to 13 weeks in 2023-2024. The epidemic peaked in December 2024. The number of severe cases requiring pediatric intensive care decreased to 79 cases in 2024-2025 from 108 cases in 2023-2024.
Synagis monoclonal antibody approved for high-risk infants
Synagis (Palivisumab) is a monoclonal antibody reserved for premature or high-risk infants. It is administered monthly during RSV circulation periods to protect against severe RSV infections in vulnerable populations.
Previous bronchiolitis prevention campaigns protected over 450,000 infants in France
Previous bronchiolitis prevention campaigns conducted in France since 2023 protected more than 450,000 infants against severe forms of bronchiolitis. These campaigns decreased the number of severe cases and prevented emergency department visits.
Beyfortus monoclonal antibody reduces RSV hospitalizations by approximately 80 percent
Beyfortus (Nirsevimab), developed jointly by French pharmaceutical company Sanofi and British laboratory AstraZeneca, reduces RSV-related hospitalizations by approximately 80%. The treatment is recommended for all infants during their first winter season and for vulnerable children up to age 2 during their second RSV exposure. It is administered as a single injection and becomes fully effective approximately one week after administration.
Abrysvo vaccine for pregnant women protects infants against RSV for first 6 months
Abrysvo, a vaccine developed by Pfizer, is recommended for pregnant women between weeks 32 and 36 of pregnancy whose infants will be exposed to RSV during September to January. The vaccine enables mothers to produce antibodies transmitted to the fetus through the placenta. International studies show the vaccine reduces severe RSV disease by 82% in the first 3 months and 70% in the first 6 months after birth, with RSV-related hospitalizations dropping over 55% during the first 6 months of life.
Monoclonal antibodies Beyfortus and Enflonsia available in two different dosages
Beyfortus is available in two different dosages for treating RSV infections in infants. Treatment protocols can include repeated doses up to age 24 months for vulnerable children before their second RSV seasonal exposure.
Enflonsia monoclonal antibody approved for bronchiolitis prevention in France
Enflonsia (Clesrovimab), a monoclonal antibody developed by pharmaceutical company MSD, was approved for the 2026-2027 bronchiolitis season to complement existing immunization options. It is administered as a single injection to infants during their first year of RSV exposure. France was prioritized for supply, with MSD confirming sufficient volumes for the 2026-2027 campaign.
France launches bronchiolitis prevention campaign starting September 14, 2026
France launched a national prevention campaign against bronchiolitis on September 14, 2026, running through February 28, 2027. The campaign targets respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, which cause the majority of bronchiolitis cases in infants under 2 years old. Bronchiolitis affects approximately 30% of infants under 2 annually and represents the leading cause of hospitalization for acute respiratory infection during winter.
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