WHO adds first maternal RSV vaccine to prequalification list

Pfizer’s Abrysvo is designed to prevent RSV-associated disease in infants

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that it has added Pfizer’s maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine to its list of prequalified vaccines.

Abrysvo, which is now the first maternal RSV vaccine to be prequalified by the organisation, aims to prevent RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease in infants during the first six months through the transfer of antibodies during gestation.

RSV is a common contagious virus characterised by several mild, cold-like symptoms. Although most people can recover within a week or two, the virus can cause severe illness in certain groups, including infants.

There are currently no specific treatments for RSV infection, underscoring the importance of preventive measures such as vaccines.

To date, Abrysvo has only been used for maternal vaccination in high- and middle-income countries. However, the new prequalification status means governments and international agencies such as Gavi and Unicef can procure the vaccine for eligible low- and lower-middle-income countries.

Katherine O’Brien, WHO Director, Immunisation, Vaccines and Biologicals, said: “RSV has long been an under-recognised public health problem, significantly impacting infants worldwide.

“Expanding access to maternal RSV vaccination will help keep infants out of hospitals, save lives and free up limited resources for other health priorities.”

WHO is now set to launch a position paper in May based on the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization’s global recommendations to introduce passive immunisation for the prevention of severe RSV disease in young infants.

The paper is aimed at guiding public health officials and immunisation programme managers on use of RSV immunisation products in their national programmes, as well as national and international funding agencies.