Health Canada approves RSV vaccine for maternal immunization – CBC

Single-shot dose approved for third trimester of pregnancy, Canadians aged 60+

Jan 04, 2024

Health Canada has approved a new vaccine geared toward protecting two groups most severely affected by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): newborns, who would receive antibodies through maternal immunization, and Canadians over 60.

Pfizer Canada’s bivalent vaccine, called Abrysvo, aims to prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by the virus.

It is the first RSV vaccine in Canada approved for use in pregnancy to provide protection for infants from birth to six months of age, and the second approved for seniors aged 60 and over.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the vaccine for those same two groups in 2023.

RSV is a common but highly contagious respiratory virus that typically causes cold-like symptoms. For more vulnerable populations — including infants, older adults or those with respiratory or cardiac conditions — RSV can lead to more severe illness, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia, and potential hospitalization.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/rsv-vaccine-pfizer-seniors-maternal-1.7074228