When is RSV immunization (palivizumab) recommended?

RSV immunization with palivizumab is specifically recommended for premature infants, particularly those born at less than 29 weeks gestation, as they are at a higher risk for severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. Premature infants have underdeveloped lungs and immune systems, making them more vulnerable to the complications of viral infections like RSV, which can lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

In addition to premature infants, palivizumab may be recommended for infants with certain underlying health conditions, such as congenital heart disease or chronic lung disease, who are also at increased risk for severe RSV disease.

Other groups, such as healthy term infants and infants without medical history, are generally not the target for this specific immunization since they typically do not experience severe RSV disease. Furthermore, the recommendation does not extend to all infants under one year of age, as the use of palivizumab is restricted to specific high-risk populations to ensure that the medication is allocated effectively where it is most needed.