Maternal RSV Vaccination: A Strategic Approach to Strengthening Public Health Systems

In recent years, the public health community has increasingly recognized the significance of maternal immunization, particularly against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which poses a life-threatening risk to infants. RSV is notably the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) among infants and young children globally, contributing to approximately 33 million annual cases of LRTIs. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified RSV as a critical public health issue, with more than three million hospital admissions and nearly 60,000 related deaths in children under five worldwide each year (WHO, 2023).

The impact of RSV is not just a health concern but also an economic one, especially in regions such as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), where healthcare systems are often strained. According to a 2023 report from the Saudi Ministry of Health, RSV is the predominant cause of acute respiratory infections in young children, leading to substantial medical expenses and lost productivity (Saudi Ministry of Health, 2023).

In Dubai, a retrospective cohort study indicated that nearly half of all RSV patients were under two years old, with a hospitalization rate of 22%, resulting in an average hospital stay costing US$9.8 million. This staggering figure underscores the economic burden that RSV imposes on healthcare systems (Al-Mansoori et al., 2023).

The rationale behind maternal vaccination lies in its capacity to leverage the natural transfer of antibodies from mother to infant during pregnancy, thereby providing early protection to newborns. Dr. Sarah Johnson, an immunologist at Johns Hopkins University, highlights that immunization during pregnancy can significantly increase the concentration of protective antibodies in the infant’s bloodstream, often higher than in the mother’s (Johnson, 2023).

Pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer are at the forefront of developing maternal RSV vaccines. Dr. Hammam Haridy, the Regional Medical Director at Pfizer, stated, "Our focus on maternal RSV vaccination aims to utilize the mother’s immune response to safeguard infants during their most vulnerable months" (Haridy, 2025). Recent data suggests that increasing the uptake of maternal RSV vaccines in Saudi Arabia to 90% could lead to a budget impact reduction of US$741.8 million, compared to US$1.7 billion if only 25% of expectant mothers were vaccinated (Al-Ghamdi et al., 2023).

The implications of increased vaccination rates extend beyond direct medical costs. Maternal immunization can also reduce parent absenteeism from work, thereby enhancing economic productivity. Additionally, it can alleviate pressure on hospital facilities, ensuring that healthcare systems remain robust and capable of addressing other urgent pediatric needs (Global Health Institute, 2023).

In conclusion, the integration of maternal RSV vaccination into public health strategies presents a multifaceted opportunity to bolster healthcare systems while saving lives. The potential long-term benefits on both health outcomes and economic efficiency emphasize the necessity for increased investment and awareness in maternal immunization programs across the MENA region and beyond.