Positive results of the immunization campaign
The immunization campaign against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), the main cause of bronchiolitis, has achieved good results in reducing admissions of children with this disease. According to the Fundació Salut Empordà (FSE), this campaign has made it possible to reduce income in the Paediatrics department of Hospital de Figueres by 89%. The campaign was launched five months ago, on October 2, 2023, and has had a positive response, especially during the first quarter.
Coverage and involvement of the medical team
During the period from October to December 2023, the coverage of the campaign was 92%. In the first two months of 2024, coverage was 71%. These positive results are the result of the full involvement of the pediatric team at the Hospital de Figueres, both medical and nursing and nursing assistants, according to the head of the Pediatric Service of the FSE, Pili Villalobos.
Evaluation of healthcare records
The Glòria Compte Research Institute has carried out an assessment of the welfare records of babies born in the Alt Empordà region between October 2023 and February 2024. This assessment has taken into account socio-demographic and health data, nationality, acceptance of RSV immunization and income. We have also analyzed the admissions associated with RSV infection in children under the age of two at the Figueres Hospital in the periods of October-March of the years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024.
Results and coincidence with the data of the Department of Health
The results of the evaluation show that there are no differences between nationalities of the mother in relation to acceptance of immunization. However, less acceptance has been observed in a specific indigenous ethnic group. This situation is similar to other cases of immunizations, such as the covid-19 vaccine. The Director of Research, Innovation and Development of the FSE, Pere Plaja, emphasizes that these results agree with the data presented by the Department of Health of the Generalitat de Catalunya.
conclusion
In summary, the immunization campaign against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus has succeeded in significantly reducing the admissions of children with bronchiolitis to the Figueres Hospital. These positive results are the result of the involvement of the medical team and the good acceptance of the campaign by the parents. This demonstrates the importance of immunization campaigns to prevent disease and protect children’s health.
