The FDA has expanded the approval of Pfizer's RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, to include adults aged 18 to 59 years who are at an increased risk of disease.
This is a significant expansion from the previous approval, which was limited to adults aged 60 and older, as well as pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation. Pfizer claims that its vaccine now has the most extensive indication for adults in the market.
The CDC has tightened its guidance regarding RSV vaccinations for older adults, delaying recommendations for those younger than 60. The CDC is scheduled to discuss the data surrounding RSV vaccines this week, but a vote on guidance for younger adults is not expected.
The slow uptake of RSV vaccinations may be due to the CDC's current recommendations, which do not advise previously vaccinated individuals to receive another shot at this time. The recent FDA approval for Abrysvo could generate interest among younger adults who have not yet been vaccinated.
GSK has also received approval for its RSV shot, Arexvy, for adults aged 50 to 59 years at increased risk.
The ongoing discussions at the CDC will be crucial in shaping future recommendations and ensuring that the public is adequately informed about the benefits of vaccination against RSV.
The slow uptake of RSV vaccines raises questions about market dynamics and the potential for increased competition among pharmaceutical companies. With Pfizer, GSK, and Moderna offering RSV vaccines, the market is poised for shifts as new approvals and recommendations emerge.
Effective communication and public health initiatives will be crucial in driving uptake and ensuring that at-risk populations are aware of their eligibility for vaccination and the importance of protecting themselves against RSV.
The forthcoming discussions and decisions from the CDC will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the future of RSV vaccination efforts in the United States.