Santé publique France has been asked to issue a recommendation on the start date of the next immunization campaign for newborns against RSV bronchiolitis for the 2025–2026 season in mainland France and in each of the overseas departments and regions (DROM) by June 15, 2025, i.e., within three weeks (referral No. 25A-00085 of May 26, 2025). Preventive treatments for RSV infections in infants target newborns and pregnant women. Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) is a monoclonal antibody used for the prevention of lower respiratory tract infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in newborns and infants. Vaccination of pregnant women against RSV has been included in the vaccination strategy aimed at reducing the burden of RSV infections in infants. Passive immunization of the newborn or infant with monoclonal antibodies and maternal vaccination are two alternative strategies: immunization of the newborn or infant with nirsevimab is justified only if the mother has not previously been vaccinated during her pregnancy. The HAS recommended that the vaccine be administered between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation. It also recommended that the vaccination campaign run concurrently with the monoclonal antibody immunization campaign, beginning before the start of the epidemic season and continuing through the end of that season (i.e., from September to January in mainland France). Santé publique France has operated in accordance with the Charter of Health Expertise (Decree No. 2013-413 of May 21, 2013). The referral was reviewed with the Scientific Director of Santé publique France during the referral review committee meeting on June 6, 2025. Santé publique France’s proposals take into account the dynamics of epidemics in recent seasons, the recommended vaccination of pregnant women between the 32nd and 36th weeks of gestation, and the objective of protecting infants under two months of age from the start of the epidemic. The regional units of Santé publique France in the overseas departments and regions were consulted to validate the dates of past bronchiolitis outbreaks and the proposals regarding future outbreaks. The advisory opinion was thus produced by the Directorate of Infectious Diseases (DMI) in collaboration with the Directorate of Regions (Dire). The agency’s interpretations and recommendations (for mainland France and the overseas departments and regions) can be found in the document.

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• Santé publique France’s expert assessment procedure

• the expert assessment at Santé publique France