The Provincial Health Authority of Crotone, through the UOC of Neonatia Neonatia Neonatale-Half, directed by dr. Antonio Belcastro, has launched a health prevention campaign aimed at all new born from 1 October 2025, regardless of the presence of risk factors. The initiative responds to the objectives of the vaccination calendar for life and provides for universal prophylaxis against the syncial respiratory virus (VRS) through the administration of Nrsevimab.
The VRS represents one of the main causes of bronchiolite and pneumonia in pediatric age, with a peak of cases in the winter months. In Italy he is responsible for over 80% of respiratory infections in children under the year of age, often with the need for hospitalization in neonatal intensive care.
The administration of the drug takes place with a single intramuscular dose immediately after birth, ensuring protection for about five months, equal to the duration of the epidemic season, and reducing VRS infections by about 90% who need medical assistance or hospitalization.
“Universal prophylaxis represents a decisive step in the protection of the health of newborns -underlines Antonio Belcastro, director of the UOC of Neonatology-Cin-. Thanks to a single intervention, we manage to protect children at the most delicate moment of their growth, drastically reducing the risks of bronchiolite and hospitalization“.
The Crotone Vaccinal Center of the ASP, directed by dr. Giuseppe Monti, plays a fundamental role in guaranteeing the punctual implementation of the campaign. The Neonatology department of the Crotone hospital, the first Calabrian center to participate in the project, has joined with great commitment and sensitivity, providing information and accompaniment to families, with an almost total adhesion to prophylaxis.
“This initiative – declares the extraordinary commissioner of the Asp of Crotone, Monica Calamai – shows our constant attention to the prevention and protection of the little ones. We work to strengthen citizens’ trust and guarantee quality health services, close to the needs of families and the territory“.
The effectiveness of the prevention strategy has already been demonstrated in drastically reducing hospitalizations and complications in the neonatal intensive care wards, confirming the value of a preventive approach to protect child health and benefit of the entire community.