The Advisory Committee to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is set to formally endorse RSV vaccines developed by Pfizer and GSK for older adults.
The committee voted 9-5 in favor of recommending the use of these vaccines, which aim to protect individuals aged 65 and above from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and its severe complications.
This endorsement will play a crucial role in the distribution and administration of the vaccines, paving the way for their availability to the vulnerable older population.
RSV Vaccines Recommended for Older Adults
According to Reuters, the CDC Advisory Committee has made a significant decision to endorse RSV vaccines manufactured by pharmaceutical giants Pfizer and GSK for older adults.
The vaccines, designed to combat respiratory syncytial virus, have been granted approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, the CDC's formal recommendation is a necessary step before these vaccines can be distributed and administered to the target population.
Respiratory syncytial virus poses a significant threat to older adults, leading to severe respiratory illnesses and even fatalities. Every year in the United States, RSV claims the lives of up to 10,000 individuals aged 65 and above.
Recognizing the vulnerability of this age group, the CDC Advisory Committee has determined that immunization with the Pfizer and GSK RSV vaccines is crucial for reducing the risk of complications and safeguarding the health of older adults.
Efficacy and Availability of RSV Vaccines
Pfizer's RSV vaccine, named Abrysvo, and GSK's RSV vaccine, called Arexvy, have both demonstrated promising results in clinical trials. The FDA approved these vaccines based on rigorous testing that showed significant reductions in symptomatic illness and severe cases among vaccinated individuals.
Pfizer's vaccine exhibited up to an 86% reduction in symptomatic illness, while GSK's vaccine demonstrated an 83% reduction. Moreover, GSK's vaccine also showcased an impressive 94% decrease in severe illness.
As per Axios, although the vaccines have received regulatory approval, their availability to the public is still pending the CDC's endorsement.
Pharmaceutical companies are working diligently to ensure that the vaccines become accessible as soon as possible.
GSK aims to make its RSV vaccine available in the fall, coinciding with the upcoming RSV season, which typically peaks during the winter.
Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy, two major pharmacy chains, have expressed their commitment to offering these vaccines across their nationwide locations to ensure broad accessibility for older adults.
Safety Concerns and Future Protection
According to NBC News, while the efficacy of the Pfizer and GSK RSV vaccines has been established, the CDC Advisory Committee members have raised some safety concerns.
These include limited data on the tolerability of the vaccines among immunocompromised individuals, those with underlying health conditions, and individuals over the age of 75.
Additionally, questions remain regarding the necessity and effectiveness of second vaccine doses in boosting long-term protection against RSV.
Furthermore, the cost of the vaccines has been a point of discussion. GSK has announced that a single dose of their vaccine would cost between $200 and $295, while Pfizer estimates a price range of $180 to $270 per dose. However, these prices are subject to change based on insurance coverage, and insured patients may have different out-of-pocket expenses.
The CDC Advisory Committee's forthcoming endorsement of the Pfizer and GSK RSV vaccines for older adults marks a significant step in combating respiratory syncytial virus among the vulnerable population.
With the potential to save thousands of lives each year, the availability and administration of these vaccines will be crucial in mitigating the severe complications associated with RSV.
As the CDC's director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, is expected to formally endorse the vaccines soon, the focus now shifts to ensuring a timely rollout and widespread accessibility for older adults before the next RSV season.
