Shanghai First to Offer RSV Vaccine for Newborns in China

Roughly a month ago, on the 11th of July, China’s National Medical Products Administration gave regulatory clearance for CSPC Pharmaceutical Group’s respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine (SYS6016) to conduct clinical trials in China.

Do you know the significance of this vaccine for the newborns in China? Wonder how you can avoid paying vaccination expenses out-of-pocket? This Pacific Prime article aims to equip you with knowledge on the ground-breaking RSV vaccine and getting insurance coverage for it.

Understanding the Health Impacts of RSV

RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects the lungs, nose, and throat. It usually spreads in the fall and winter and peaks in December and January (RSV season). The incubation period ranges from three to eight days with early symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, and nasal blockages.

The symptoms are almost identical to those of the common cold or flu, making it difficult to tell them apart. RSV can cause respiratory infections in people of all ages. Adults who get RSV manifest mild symptoms, but for babies and young children, the disease could be very dangerous and potentially fatal.

RSV has been the leading cause of hospitalization for acute lower respiratory infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children younger than 5 years worldwide, with an infection rate of approximately 84% among young infants.

About the RSV Vaccine for Newborns

Invented based on synthetic messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, SYS6016 is an imported vaccine developed in collaboration with Sanofi and AstraZeneca and is the world’s first monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab) approved for newborns for RSV-induced lower respiratory tract diseases.

The vaccine exhibits good protection against both RSV-A and RSV-B subtype viral strains and has a good safety profile.

Effectiveness

The RSV vaccine reduces the risk of severe RSV disease by about 80%. One dose of vaccine protects infants for at least 5 months, the length of an average RSV season. Because the vaccine does not activate the immune system, protection is most effective in the weeks right after vaccination and lessens over time.

The RSV vaccine does not provide long-term protection against RSV-induced disease, but it does protect infants when they are most at risk of getting very sick from RSV. As children get older, they are less likely to get very sick from RSV.

Source: Center of Disease Control (CDC)

For Pregnant Mothers

Expectant mothers who are 32 through 36 weeks pregnant during September through January should get one dose of maternal RSV vaccine to protect their babies.

The immunization will effectively pass to newborns, lasting for a limited period of 5-6 months.

For Newborns

Nirsevimab is recommended for infants younger than 8 months of age who were born during or are entering their first RSV season if:

• The mother did not receive an RSV vaccine during pregnancy.
• The mother’s RSV vaccination status is unknown.
• The infant was born within 14 days of maternal RSV vaccination.

Getting RSV Immunization in Shanghai, China

Due to the high risk of RSV-induced diseases, China now recommends vaccination for newborns and infants aged 0 to 12 months. Please note that the vaccine is optional, parents can decide whether or not they would like to bear the risk despite being proven clinically safe for infants.

List of hospitals in Shanghai offering RSV Vaccine

• Shanghai International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital
• Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital
• Shanghai Children’s Medical Center
• Shanghai Children’s Hospital
• Xinhua Hospital
• Fudan University’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital
• Fudan University Children’s Hospital

Parents of newborns can schedule an appointment for their babies to get the licensed RSV vaccine. Hospital services do not discriminate— local and expat children are both eligible for the vaccine.

If interested, make reservations through these hospitals’ public WeChat accounts or by dialing their medical hotline. For expats who do not communicate in Chinese, reach out to the hospitals’ foreign medical departments where English-speaking support staff are available.

Secure Newborn Immunization Coverage with Insurance

The RSV vaccine is currently not included in China’s National Immunization Program so local and expat parents may need to pay for the service out-of-pocket. The price for the jab in China is not yet confirmed, but it is expected to be equal or similar to the price in the U.S., which is around US $500 (RMB ¥3,580).

Some private health insurance providers in China may offer coverage for the vaccine through newborn coverage under maternity insurance, or stand-alone newborn insurance. It is important to read the fine print of your insurance policy so you know if you will get insurance coverage for the vaccination.

When it comes to securing insurance coverage for any medical treatments for your newborns, Pacific Prime is your go-to option. We have been assisting expats in China to compare and find the right insurance for their needs and budget for over two decades.

Whether it be stand-alone newborn insurance or newborn coverage under maternity insurance, you can expect a waiting period of one to two years which can derail your original maternity plan. Contact our team of insurance advisors to get started early!

Disclaimer: Pacific Prime solely represents, operates, and manages locally regulated insurance products and services in the territory of PR China. Any references to Pacific Prime Global Company or Group, the international services, insurance products, or otherwise stated written or verbally, is for introduction purposes about our overseas network only as each entity is fully independent.