UK Launches National Vaccination Programme with Pfizer’s Abrysvo for RSV Protection

The UK government has announced a national vaccination programme to protect infants and older adults against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) using Pfizer’s Abrysvo. This rollout marks a significant milestone, making the UK the first country worldwide to have a national programme utilizing the same vaccine to safeguard both age populations against the common respiratory virus.

RSV is known for causing mild, cold-like symptoms but can lead to severe illnesses such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, especially in vulnerable groups like young infants and older adults. Annually, RSV results in approximately 30,000 hospitalizations in children under five years and 9,000 hospital admissions in those over 75 years in the UK.

The initiative includes administering the vaccine to pregnant women over 28 weeks to protect their babies, implementing a routine programme for individuals aged over 75 years, and launching a one-off campaign for those aged 75 to 79 years.

Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening: Described the rollout as 'a huge step forward [that] will undoubtedly save the lives of many of those most at risk.' He encouraged individuals aged 75 to 79 to come forward for their vaccine and pregnant women over 28 weeks to consult their maternity service or GP for protection.

Pfizer’s Abrysvo, approved by the UK regulator, showed positive efficacy results in the late-stage MATISSE and RENOIR trials. MATISSE demonstrated 81.8% efficacy within the first 90 days after birth for infants and 69.4% efficacy within 180 days. RENOIR interim analysis indicated 85.7% effectiveness among older adults with RSV symptoms and 66.7% for those with two or more symptoms.

Further positive results from Pfizer’s late-stage trial in adults aged 18 to 59 years at increased risk of severe RSV-associated disease have supported the use of the vaccine, showcasing its potential impact across age groups.