The Ministry of Health announced on Friday the launch of a new prevention strategy for the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with the inclusion of the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab (Beyfortus) in the state health system. This decision aims to reduce hospitalisations and serious complications from RSV, especially in infants and young children.
According to a press release by the Ministry, Minister of Health Michalis Damianos presented during a press conference the action plan for the Autumn – Winter 2025-2026 period, and stressed the three main pillars which are prevention, protection and information.
The Minister stressed the need for immediate and targeted prevention against respiratory viruses that are widely circulating during this period, such as influenza, coronavirus and RSV. RSV, according to the data presented, is the main cause of admission of children with acute respiratory infection to hospitals and Intensive Care Units in Cyprus.
Although nirsevimab is not a vaccine it is a specialized antiviral drug, that offers effective and targeted protection for infants, drastically reducing the risk of serious illness.
‘With the introduction of nirsevimab, we are strengthening prevention, reducing the risk of serious complications and limiting hospitalizations, especially in ICUs,’ Damianos said.
According to the Ministry of Health, the benefits of using the new drug include reducing severe RSV cases in infants and young children, reducing admissions to hospitals and ICUs, relieving the public health system and relieving the financial burden of expensive hospitalizations. The decision to introduce nirsevimab was based on international scientific data confirming its safety and effectiveness.
Moreover, the Ministry of Health says that it continues to promote vaccinations for seasonal influenza and COVID-19, focusing on vulnerable groups of the population.
The Minister of Health noted that this autumn and winter find the health system more prepared and with more tools at its disposal.
‘With this new addition of nirsevimab, we are taking an important step forward. Science has given us the tools – and we have them available to protect our citizens,’ he concluded.