The Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola (HUDERF) and Hôpital Erasme, both part of the Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B), have announced a campaign to protect babies against bronchiolitis.
Running from 1 September to 31 October, the campaign targets children born between 19 February and 30 September 2025. Instead of using traditional vaccines, the initiative employs monoclonal antibodies, which provide direct protection rather than stimulating an immune response. A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health in May showed this approach reduces hospitalisation risks by 83% for infants under one year old.
The immunisation requires a single intramuscular injection. For children born before the start of the epidemic season, this will be administered either in September or October. Newborns during the winter season will receive the injection at birth.
For babies due between 1 September 2025 and 31 January 2026, there are two preventive options. Either the infants receive monoclonal antibodies after birth, or expectant mothers are vaccinated during pregnancy between the 28th and 36th week, as per the recommendation from the Superior Health Council.
Parents can now book appointments at special paediatric consultations set up in both hospitals.
