The World Health Organization has prequalified a multi-dose vial of the maternal respiratory syncytial virus vaccine RSVpreF, also known by the brand name ABRYSVO.
The new presentation is expected to make the vaccine less expensive and easier to deliver, especially in countries supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The vaccine is given during pregnancy so that antibodies can pass to the baby before birth. WHO recommends giving it from the 28th week of pregnancy to help protect infants during their first six months of life.
WHO estimates that RSV causes more than 3.6 million hospitalizations and about 100,000 deaths among children under five each year. Nearly half of those deaths are in babies younger than six months.
