This is the second RSV vaccine approved by the US. Previously, on May 3, the US approved the Arexvy vaccine of the British pharmaceutical group GSK, becoming the first country in the world to approve a vaccine against RSV - the leading cause of pneumonia. Both vaccines are licensed for use in people over 60 years old.
RSV is a highly contagious virus that causes pneumonia and respiratory infections. RSV enters the body through the eyes, nose or mouth. The virus is easily transmitted from person to person through infected respiratory secretions such as coughing, sneezing or direct contact such as shaking hands.
According to statistics from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year, RSV causes 60,000 hospitalizations and more than 6,000 deaths in people over 65 years old, as well as 100-300 deaths in children under 5 years old in this country. The US CDC also estimates that up to 80,000 children under 5 years old are hospitalized each year due to RSV.
In a statement, Ms. Annaliesa Anderson, head of vaccine research and development at Pfizer, assessed this as an "important step" in implementing the group's commitments to reduce the danger of RSV virus for high-risk populations, including the elderly.
CDC officials are scheduled to meet on June 21 to make recommendations on the use of the Abrysvo vaccine for the elderly.
Pfizer plans to bring the Abrysvo vaccine to market in the third quarter of this year, before the number of cases of bronchiolitis - pneumonia caused by the RSV virus - is expected to increase.
Pfizer has also filed for approval of a vaccine for pregnant women. An independent panel of experts said approval could come as early as mid-May, but the FDA has yet to make a decision.
Minh Hoa (t/h according to Zing, Vietnam+)
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