European Health Union: Commission authorises first vaccine to protect infants from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections

The Commission has authorised Abrysvo, the first vaccine to protect older adults and infants up to six months of age against the lower respiratory tract disease caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This type of vaccines is particularly important bearing in mind the increased RSV infections in the EU last winter. The vaccine, which is now authorised throughout the EU, will help strengthen the immune response to the virus. The authorization follows a stringent evaluation under EMA's accelerated assessment mechanism. Considering that prevention of RSV infection in children is of major public health interest, the Commission accelerated the authorisation of the vaccine.

Health and Food Safety Commissioner Stella Kyriakides (pictured) said: “This is our first EU-authorised RSV vaccine that not only protects older adults but also infants, already from birth. Ahead of the upcoming Autumn and Winter seasons, this vaccine can help preventing serious RSV consequences for some of our most vulnerable citizens. This is especially important for our children for whom RSV is a leading cause of hospitalisation in the EU. This is the European Health Union delivering to its promises and determined to tackle health threats with decisive action. I look forward to seeing member states start making use of this first vaccine as part of their national vaccination campaigns.”

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover within one to two weeks, but RSV can be serious in vulnerable people, including older adults and those with lung or heart disease and diabetes.

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