What is RSV? Confirmed Cases at Busan Postpartum Care Center, Prevention Methods, Types of Vaccines
As additional confirmed RSV cases have emerged at a postpartum care center in Busan, concerns over the protection of newborns are increasing.
RSV is a highly dangerous virus that can cause pneumonia or bronchiolitis in newborns and infants. It is particularly known as a more lethal infectious disease in infants under one year of age.
This article will summarize basic information about the RSV virus, prevention measures, types of vaccines and prices, and recent infection cases.
RSV Infection Cases in Busan Postpartum Care Center… A Collective Outbreak After 3 Years
As of March 2025, a collective RSV infection has occurred at a postpartum care center in Busan, with a total of three confirmed cases. The first infected individual was confirmed on the 10th, followed by two additional cases confirmed on the 18th and 22nd, respectively. The first confirmed case has recovered, while the other two are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
The city of Busan collected specimens from the postpartum care center environment for an epidemiological investigation; however, they reported that the RSV virus was not found in environmental specimens. The city is continuing to monitor individuals exhibiting additional symptoms.
What is the RSV Virus? A Respiratory Infection Dangerous to Newborns
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a virus that causes acute respiratory illnesses. This virus is known to be a major cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in newborns in South Korea. It can particularly have severe effects on young children, necessitating caution.
When an infection occurs, symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, and difficulty breathing accompany it. Special attention is needed for premature infants or infants under 12 months of age who have weakened immune systems, as they are at risk of serious complications.
RSV is a virus that spreads from October to March each year and has a high transmission rate. Because of this, it can rapidly spread in communal facilities such as postpartum care centers or daycare centers.
Can RSV be Prevented? Types of Vaccines and Prices
While some vaccines and treatments for RSV are available, widespread provision to the general pediatric population is difficult due to cost and accessibility issues.
There are several main preventive monoclonal antibodies and vaccines currently available in South Korea.
1. Synagis (Palivizumab)
This preventive monoclonal antibody injection is aimed at preterm infants and high-risk infants under 12 months old. It is for babies with conditions such as heart disease or bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
This injection costs approximately 1 million won for one dose and is required once a month, as it is not covered by insurance.
However, healthy infants are not eligible for insurance coverage.
2. Beyfortus (Nirsevimab)
Type: Long-acting preventive monoclonal antibody injection (similar function to vaccines)
Target: All infants under 12 months
Feature: One injection can provide protective effects for over 5 months.
Price: It is not covered by insurance, and prices vary by hospital.
Current Status: Available in South Korea, but only supplied to some large hospitals, making universal vaccination difficult.
3. Arexvy (Developed by GSK)
Type: RSV preventive vaccine
Target: Primarily adults and the elderly aged 60 and older
Current Status: Approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in South Korea, but no institutions are currently providing it.
Despite the availability of preventive vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, many infants cannot easily receive vaccinations due to issues with price and supply shortages.
In particular, Beyfortus shows high preventive effectiveness with just one injection, and there have been calls to include it in the National Immunization Program (NIP) as a matter of urgency.
Summary of Synagis Injection Information – Efficacy, Target Groups, Insurance Coverage Criteria, and Prices
Synagis (Palivizumab) is a monoclonal antibody injection developed for high-risk infants to prevent severe lower respiratory tract infections caused by RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). This preventive injection is provided in a 100mg/1mL form, and the standard price for one vial is 908,640 won, classifying it as a significantly expensive medication. It helps protect infants’ health and prevent hospitalizations.
The target group for RSV vaccinations is limited to children who meet specific conditions. This includes infants under 6 months of age during the RSV outbreak season of October to March, babies born at less than 32 weeks or less than 36 weeks gestation, children under 2 years old who have recently received treatment for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and those under 2 years old with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (CHD). Specifically, infants with heart disease who are being treated for congestive heart failure or have moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension or cyanotic heart disease fall into this category.
If the criteria for coverage are not met, guardians must bear the full cost of the medication, and vaccinations are recommended up to 5 times during the RSV outbreak period for effective prevention. Notably, vaccinations that started in September are included within this 5 doses during the outbreak period, so consultation with healthcare professionals regarding the timing and number of vaccinations is essential. This information plays a critical role in RSV prevention.
Daily Guidelines to Prevent RSV
Although RSV is highly contagious, it can be effectively prevented by following a few simple guidelines in daily life.
It is important to wash hands thoroughly after going outside. If you have a newborn, it is advisable to avoid crowded places. If there’s someone in the family displaying cold symptoms, minimize contact.
Moreover, hygiene management in communal facilities like postpartum care centers or daycare centers must be rigorous. For high-risk infants, considering vaccination proactively is necessary.
When utilizing postpartum care centers, it is essential to carefully check the hygiene conditions of the facility and whether any infections have occurred to prevent infectious diseases.
We Must Not Delay Addressing RSV Protection for Newborns Any Longer
The RSV infection incident that occurred in a postpartum care center in Busan once again highlights the necessity for a disease prevention system for newborns and infants.
Currently, the preventive monoclonal antibody injection Beyfortus, which is expected to be introduced into the national immunization schedule, acts similarly to a vaccine, and there is a need to improve the current status where expensive preventive injections remain uncovered. Additionally, it is urgent to create a system that allows general parents to easily access vaccinations.
RSV is not simply a cold; it is a serious disease that can threaten the lives of newborns. Therefore, parents and caregivers must acquire accurate information about RSV and actively participate in preventive measures.
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