Passive RSV immunisation using nirsevimab in neonatal care: a structured multidisciplinary approach and immunisation data from a Swiss tertiary centre

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a major cause of severe lower respiratory tract infections in newborns and young infants, especially during the winter season from October to March. In Switzerland, RSV infection represents a leading cause of hospital admissions among newborns. Since October 2024, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, nirsevimab (Beyfortus®), has been available in Switzerland for standard care in newborns. OBJECTIVES: This paper presents a multidisciplinary, standardised protocol for the administration of nirsevimab, as well as immunisation data from the first season of application in 2024/25 at a tertiary centre in Switzerland. METHODS: A protocol for implementing the RSV immunisation strategy was developed at University Hospital Zurich by a multidisciplinary team of obstetricians, neonatologists, nurses, from in- and outpatient services. The focus was on prenatal counselling during outpatient consultations as well as inpatient procedures on maternity and neonatology wards. The goal was to provide expectant parents with consistent information by different healthcare professionals. Neonatal immunisation data from the first season in 2024/25 (25 October to 31 March ) were retrieved from patient charts (Yes/No) in a retrospective, quality control, observational cohort study. All newborns discharged from the maternity ward or the neonatology unit of our centre were included in the analysis. RESULTS: The protocol included early and multidisciplinary parental education, offering consistent oral and written information, as well as opportunities to discuss their questions regarding the new immunisation, ensured informed consent and enabled timely administration of nirsevimab by healthcare professionals in the obstetrics and neonatology units. Over the 2024/25 season, 78% of the newborns were immunised before leaving hospital care: 78% (588/758) of newborns discharged home from the maternity ward were immunised and 82% (125/153) of those discharged home from the neonatology unit were immunised. CONCLUSION: The implementation of passive RSV immunisation was overall successful with an immunisation rate of around 80% for the first season in 2024/25.