The Regional Secretary of Health and Civil Protection, Micaela Fonseca de Freitas, marked the start of the 4th immunization campaign against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) for children. The visit took place at the Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital Maternity Ward.
The initiative, in which Madeira was a national pioneer, represents an investment of 420,000 euros for the 2026/2027 season. Its aim is to prevent serious respiratory infections, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, and to avoid hospital admissions for infants.
Micaela Fonseca de Freitas highlighted the consolidated success of the regional strategy, noting a 98.8% adherence rate in the last campaign, which reduced RSV hospital admissions in children up to 12 months by 60%. The monoclonal antibody administration is free and recommended for newborns and children with risk factors.
