The FDA has approved the first-ever vaccine for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Every year, the virus hospitalizes between 60,000-180,000 Americans over the age of 65, and kills about 14,000 older adults. RSV is also responsible for the hospitalization of 58,000-80,000 children less than 6 years old. RSV also poses a greater threat to adults with chronic heart or lung disease and people with weakened immune systems. If the CDC agrees with the decision, all adults aged 60 and older should be able to receive the vaccine this Fall. The vaccine, called Arexvy and produced by GSK, is one of several RSV vaccines currently being evaluated by the FDA. Health officials are also reviewing safety and effectiveness data for Pfizer’s RSV vaccine, which is designed to be given to pregnant women in order to protect the child from the virus. The agency is also considering the application for Sanofi and AstraZeneca’s monoclonal antibody medicine.
Full Story: Associated Press