National RSV Vaccination Program Launches in the UK

The United Kingdom (UK) has announced that it will be the first country to implement a national program using the same vaccine to protect newborns following vaccinating pregnant women and older adults against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Each year in the UK, RSV infections are responsible for 20 to 30 infant deaths and around 9,000 hospital admissions in those aged over 75. 

A press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care and Andrew Gwynne MP on July 17, 2024, stated that the vaccination program will commence in Scotland in mid-August, followed by England, Wales, and Northern Ireland in September.

Minister for Public Health and Prevention Andrew Gwynne commented in the press release, "As someone who has seen the devastating effects of RSV firsthand, I am thrilled to see the UK leading the way in tackling this devastating disease."

The program follows the advice from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation published in September 2023.

The UK selected Pfizer Inc.'s RSV vaccine for the program.

This new vaccination program is the second UK effort to protect infants from RSV.

In November 2022, following European Commission approval, the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency approved Beyfortus® (nirsevimab), a single-dose, long-acting antibody, to prevent RSV lower respiratory tract disease in newborns and infants during their first RSV season.

Beyfortus is the first and only single-dose RSV protective option for the broad infant population, including those born healthy, at term or preterm, or with specific health conditions.

In the United States, three RSV vaccines, including Beyfortus, have been FDA-approved and are available for the 2024-2025 RSV season.