The European Commission this Friday gave the green light to a vaccine marketed by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer and given to pregnant women to protect babies under six months of age from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory disease.
In a statement, the community leader says he has approved Abrysvo, the name given to the drug by Pfizer, “the first vaccine designed to protect the elderly and children under six months of age against lower respiratory disease caused by HRV.”
“This type of vaccine is especially important given the rise in RSV infections in the EU last winter. The vaccine, which is now approved throughout the EU, will help boost the immune response to the virus,” Brussels said.
The institution explains that the approval was obtained after a rigorous assessment under the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Rapid Evaluation Mechanism and that it is justified by the fact that the prevention of RSV infection in children is of “great public health interest.” ”, given the possible consequences of bronchiolitis.
Last July, the EMA announced that it had recommended an EU marketing authorization for Abrisvo, “the first RSV vaccine intended for passive immunization of infants from birth to 6 months of age following maternal administration of the vaccine during pregnancy.” .
This vaccine is also indicated for active immunization of adults aged 60 years and over.
EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides, quoted in today’s statement, notes that “until next autumn/winter season, this vaccine could help prevent the serious consequences of RSV for some of the most vulnerable citizens.”
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild cold-like symptoms, with most people recovering within one to two weeks.
However, RSV can be serious in vulnerable people, including the elderly, people with lung or heart disease, and people with diabetes.
Today’s EU approval comes three days after the United States first approved a vaccine meant to protect children from bronchiolitis, also given to pregnant women.
According to the US Drug Agency, the single intramuscular injection vaccine is approved for pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation.
Babies will be protected from RSV during the first six months of life.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Dave Martin, and I’m an experienced journalist working in the news industry. As a part of my work, I write for 24 News Reporters, covering mostly sports-related topics. With more than 5 years of experience as a journalist, I have written numerous articles on various topics to provide accurate information to readers.