EU Commission approves first RSV vaccine for infants
The European Commission has given the green light to Pfizer's Abrysvo, the first vaccine to protect the elderly as well as infants up to six months old against respiratory infections caused by RSV.
"As the autumn and winter seasons approach, this vaccine can help prevent serious RSV consequences in some of our most vulnerable citizens. This is particularly important for children, for whom RSV is a leading cause of hospitalisation in the EU," said EU Health commissioner Stella Kyriakides. She recommends that member states include the vaccine in national immunisation campaigns.
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common respiratory infection in infants. The virus usually causes mild symptoms such as a runny nose or dry cough. Most people recover quickly, but in infants, the elderly, or people with lung or heart disease or diabetes, RSV infection can be serious and lead to pneumonia.
"As the autumn and winter approach, this vaccine can help prevent serious RSV consequences in some of our most vulnerable citizens"
Abrysvo, a vaccine developed by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, can protect infants from infection by vaccinating pregnant women. Earlier this week, US authorities also approved the vaccine. In June, the Commission already gave the green light to different RSV vaccine produced by British pharmaceutical company GSK, but this one is aimed at protecting older people, not babies.
© BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS
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