WHO prequalifies multi-dose RSV vaccine vial

• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has prequalified multi-dose vial presentation of the maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine — RSVpreF (ABRYSVO).

• It marks a major step toward protecting more infants from severe respiratory illness and pneumonia globally. 

• The new presentation is expected to make maternal RSV vaccination more affordable and easier to deliver, particularly in countries supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

• The maternal RSV vaccine is designed to protect infants during their first six months of life through the transfer of antibodies from the mother to the baby before birth.  

• The decision builds on WHO’s prequalification of the vaccine’s single-dose presentation in March 2025 and Gavi's subsequent decision in July 2025 to establish a maternal RSV vaccine programme. 

• This is aimed at protecting newborns and young infants from one of the leading causes of respiratory illness and hospitalisation worldwide. 

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

• Every year, RSV causes about 100,000 deaths and over 3.6 million hospitalisations in children under the age of five years worldwide. 

• About half of these deaths occur in infants younger than six months of age. 

• RSV is an RNA virus that belongs to the Pneumoviridae family along with the human metapneumovirus and consists of two genotypes (A and B). 

• RSV is specific and pathogenic for humans and infects cells along the human respiratory tract, from the nose to the lungs. 

• RSV causes a wide spectrum of respiratory disease, from mild upper respiratory tract infections (in most cases) to life threatening lower respiratory tract infections

• The vast majority (97 per cent) of RSV deaths in infants occur in low and middle-income countries where there is limited access to supportive medical care, such as oxygen or hydration.

• RSV is transmitted via infectious respiratory particles through the air from an infected person to another one. The virus is also thought to be transmitted by direct contact with infected persons or through support contaminated with the virus. 

• RSV usually causes mild symptoms similar to the common cold, including runny nose, cough and fever. 

• However, it can lead to serious complications — including pneumonia and bronchiolitis — in infants, young children, older adults and those with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions.

• There is no specific treatment for RSV. Management of severe RSV disease involves supportive care, such as nasal suction of secretions, intravenous fluids for hydration, and most importantly supplemental oxygen to help breathing.