Skip To Main Content
This website is intended exclusively for healthcare professionals residing and/or working in Qatar.
Campus
Campus

Expanding RSV Protection in Kuwait: New National Directives for Monoclonal Antibody Use

Summary of Kuwait’s updated RSV prevention policy

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children worldwide, with newborns and preterm infants at the highest risk of hospitalization1. Recent advances in RSV prevention, including long-acting monoclonal antibodies and maternal vaccination, have shown a 70–90% reduction in RSV-related hospitalizations during the first year of life2.

In response, Kuwait’s Ministry of Health has incorporated RSV vaccination and monoclonal antibody immunization into the 2025 optional vaccination schedule to strengthen RSV prevention strategies3.

 

RSV Immunization Policy Implementation in Kuwait

Kuwait’s updated immunization policy includes RSV vaccines for adults and pregnant women, and monoclonal antibody prophylaxis for newborns and infants. The National Committee for the General Immunization Plan determines the RSV season annually based on surveillance data, ensuring timely protection for pregnant women and infants through structured vaccination schedules and hospital-based administration3.

Kuwait MOH Guidance for RSV Monoclonal Antibody Use in Infacts in Their First RSV Season3

All infants should get RSV monoclonal antibody in their first RSV season*
For Infants Born During the RSV Season
  • Antibody given within 24 hours of birth
  • Given in postnatal wards or hospital NIC units.
For Infants Born ≤6 Months Before the RSV Season
  • Catch-up dose given at start of season
  • Given with routine 2, 4, 6-month vaccines at preventive health centres.
Free of Charge Administration of Monoclonal Antibody
  • Monoclonal antibody is provided free of charge in all public & private hospitals.
  • Hospital must state “free of charge” on the invoice

To be given if the mother was not vaccinated in her pregnancy, her vaccination status is unknown, or intant born <14 days after maternal RSV vaccination

 

Target Population for Monoclonal Antibody Immunization2,3

All Newborns and Infants < 8 Months
Those born during or entering their first RSV season, when maternal vaccination is absent, unknown, or given <14 days before delivery.
Children 8–24 Months with Risk Factors
Children with risk factors like CLD, CHD, severe immunodeficiency, and Down syndrome are immunized during the RSV seasonal period.
Children ≥24 months
Use of monoclonal antibodies is excluded for children 24 months and older.

Ministry Letter EN | Ministry Letter AR

1.Hammitt LL, Dagan R, Yuan Y, Baca Cots M, Bosheva M, Madhi SA, et al. Nirsevimab for Prevention of RSV in Healthy Late-Preterm and Term Infants. N Engl J Med. 2022 Mar 3;386(9):837–46.

2.Domany KA, Golan-Tripto I, Burrack N, Masarweh K, Gur M, Rochman M, Be'er M eta al. Risk factors associated with severe RSV disease among hospitalized children in the second year of life: a multicenter study. Eur J Pediatr. 2025 Nov 27;184(12):799. doi: 10.1007/s00431-025-06596-6.

3.Ministry of Health, Kuwait. Ministerial Letter No. 226: Regarding Immunization to Prevent Infection with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in the State of Kuwait [official letter; Ref. 7540-HA0001982; internal document]. Kuwait: Ministry of Health; 2024. p. 1-5.

 

Related Articles
MAT-BH-2600015/V1/January 2026