It is a very contagious respiratory disease which is particularly prevalent during the winter season: bronchiolitis. Although its impact on children is well known, “before the age of two, it is estimated that more than 90% of children will have contracted an infection due to this virus, without any consequences in the vast majority of cases”, underlines the Ministry of Labor, Health and Solidarity, this disease also affects adults and seniors.
At microphone of France Bleu Mayenne, Catherine Vautrin, Minister of Labor, Health and Solidarity, announced on Thursday February 22 that the Arexvy vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) should be reimbursed in the fall for seniors. “To be reimbursed, the therapeutic effectiveness must be validated by the High Authority of Health”, specifies the minister who adds that the HAS will release its information “in the summer”. In case of positive reviews“this means that logically, from autumnwe will be able to have this medicine”, adds Catherine Vautrin. Its production will be launched in the British laboratory GSK factory, in the North of France.
Bronchiolitis vaccine for seniors: the High Authority of Health must deliver its opinion this summer
Bronchiolitis is a respiratory infection of viral origin, particularly caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It is characterized “by an episode of respiratory discomfort: cough , rapid, wheezing breathing,” precise the Ministry of Labor, Health and Solidarity. As the minister explains to France Bleu Mayenne, “this new vaccine will effectively protect the people aged 60 and over with a fight against respiratory diseases. What is very important is that these infections are very common in winter and what’s more, they are very contagious.
If the virus affects many children, its consequences can be serious for seniors. According to figures relayed by France Bleu Mayenne, 25,000 elderly or weakened people are hospitalized due to the virus. In addition, between 5,000 to 10,000 people die after contracting it.
Near France Blue Mayennethe minister recalls the importance of vaccination. “To avoid getting the infection, you must get vaccinated. It’s the same subject as when we talk about the vaccination campaign. The vaccine, prevention, it’s an important element.”
The High Authority of Health will issue its opinion “this summer” on the GSK vaccine against the bronchiolitis virus in seniors and “logically, from the fall, we will be able to have it”, says the Minister of Labor and Health Catherine Vautrin on @bleumayenne @CaVautrin pic.twitter.com/aNoiKkCbuP
— France Bleu Mayenne (@bleumayenne) February 22, 2024
Sources:
- Bronchiolitis: the vaccine for seniors will be reimbursed “from the fall”, estimates Catherine Vautrin – France Bleu Mayenne – 02/22/2024
- Bronchiolitis epidemic in France: Reminder of prevention and treatment recommendations – Ministry of Labor, Health and Solidarity