Respiratory synchronous virus (RSV), a common but potentially severe infection among infants, emerging as a growing concern in India, especially during the monsoon and winter season.

While global health agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO) have begun recommending maternal RSV vaccination to protect newborns, India is still in the early stages of evaluating and adopting preventive strategies.

“RSV is one of the major causes of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children globally. Studies from Indian tertiary centers show that RSV is 30–50% of children under two children for bronchiolysis and pneumonia cases. CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.

Dr. Rahul Sharma, Additional Director, Pulmonology, Fortis Hospital, Noida, resonated it. He said, “Estimated 2-3 million pneumonia cases of pneumonia are related to RSVs in India, many of which require hospitalization, especially in children under five,” he said.

The recent support of the WHO of RSV vaccination during pregnancy is aimed at protecting newborns through passive immunity.

However, India is still reviewing its inclusion in the Universal Immunization Program (UIP). “Bodies like the Indian Academy of Pediatrics are assessing the safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the vaccine for Indian settings. If introduced, it can be rolled out for high-risk groups in private or corporate hospitals first,” Dr. Dubi said.

Monoclonal antibodies such as Nirsevimab, which can prevent severe RSV infection with the same dose, have shown promising results. But cost is a major concern. Dr. Sharma said, “Currently, a dose of monoclonal antibody treatment can be between Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000. Without government subsidy or insurance coverage, it will remain out of reach for many Indian families,” Dr. Sharma said.

Dr. Dubey emphasized the need for difference pricing and public health integration. “It will be important for the same access to the involvement under government participation, local manufacturing, and public health schemes,” he said.

Indian pharmaceutical giants such as India Biotech and Serum Institute of India Institute have already started RSV vaccine research. Cooperation with global pharma companies can help to create monoclonal antibodies locally, significantly reduce costs.

“India has a strong vaccine construction ecosystem. It prepares us to become a regional center for RSV prevention,” Dr. Dubey explained.

However, the timeline is uncertain for availability. Doctors estimate that based on regulatory approval and production scale, it may take another 2 to 4 years for broader access.

“Maternal vaccines may first come to select hospitals. Monoclonal antibody therapy may begin with pilot programs next year or in two -risk groups,” Dr.

RSV prevention in India is clearly gaining momentum, with strong clinical evidence and global example.

“The ground is,” Dr. Sharma said. “Now it is about making sure that the solution is accessible, not only available.”