WHO prequalifies multi-dose RSV vaccine for pregnant women

The World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified a multi-dose vial of the RSVpreF (ABRYSVO) vaccine for use in pregnant women. This move is intended to reduce the global burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which causes an estimated 3.6 million hospitalizations and 100,000 deaths among children under five annually. Approximately 97% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries where access to medical care is limited.

By administering the vaccine during late pregnancy (from 28 weeks onwards), antibodies can be transferred to the fetus, providing protection to infants in their first months of life. The new multi-dose vial format is expected to make immunization more cost-effective and easier to implement, particularly in countries supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

In addition to maternal vaccination, medical guidelines such as those from STIKO recommend the use of Nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, to provide passive immunity to newborns and infants during the RSV season to drastically reduce hospitalizations.