“First RSV Vaccine for Older Adults Cleared by FDA in Historic Approval”

The US Food and Drug Administration has just given the green light for the first ever Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine in the United States, providing much-needed protection for older adults. RSV is a viral infection that causes harm to the lower respiratory tract and can result in severe and life-threatening pneumonia and bronchiolitis, with hospitalizations in excess of 60,000-120,000 annually. Despite attempts to develop a vaccine for decades, previous efforts have failed until now. The new vaccine, created by GSK, has millions of doses ready for immediate shipment and is believed to be available next fall and winter. Pfizer and Moderna are also developing similar RSV vaccines. Further endorsements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are expected in June, with GSK forecasting it will have ample supply to meet market demands.