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Maternal RSV vaccination, antibody therapy urged in new WHO recommendations

Click to play video: 'Access to infant RSV protection differs across Canada'
Access to infant RSV protection differs across Canada
WATCH: Access to infant RSV protection differs across Canada – Sep 22, 2024

The World Health Organization on Tuesday recommended maternal vaccination and the use of an antibody therapy to prevent respiratory synctial virus (RSV) in infants.

The recommendations, to administer both the shot and the antibody or either, come after the WHO’s strategic advisory group on immunization met last week.

For countries that decide to use a maternal vaccine, WHO said it recommends a single shot in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Drugmaker Pfizer’s shot is approved in the United States and Canada for use in women during the middle of the third trimester of pregnancy to protect their babies.

Click to play video: 'Health Matters: Canada to use Pfizer’s ‘Abrysvo’ RSV vaccine'
Health Matters: Canada to use Pfizer’s ‘Abrysvo’ RSV vaccine

Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Sanofi SASY.PA and AstraZeneca’s AZN.L antibody therapy, Beyfortus, to prevent RSV in infants and toddlers.

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The manufacturers received approval for an additional manufacturing line in September for the therapy, as its supply was limited.

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WHO’s strategic advisory group also noted the concerns around supply as well as the high cost of the antibody therapy, which it said could seriously limit global access and equity for the treatment.

RSV typically causes cold-like symptoms, but is also a leading cause of pneumonia in toddlers and older adults.

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