CDC Backs Pfizer's RSV Infection Maternal Vaccine During Pregnancy As Protection For Infants

Friday, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended the first respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for pregnant people to protect their newborns from severe RSV illness.

This is the first fall and winter virus season, where vaccines are available for the three major respiratory viruses –COVID-19, RSV, and flu.

This new vaccine, Pfizer Inc's PFE bivalent RSVpreF vaccine (Abrysvo), has been shown to reduce the risk of RSV hospitalization for babies by 57% in the first six months after birth. Pfizer's vaccine, Abrysvo, is already approved and available in the U.S. for adults ages 60 and up.

In May, the FDA approved GSK Plc's GSK Arexvy as the first RSV vaccine for older adults to be approved worldwide.

Pfizer and GSK are running a tight race to tap into the RSV vaccine market, which could exceed $10 billion by 2030.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices members voted 11-1 to recommend maternal RSV vaccine for pregnant people during 32 through 36 weeks of gestation. They also voted to approve Pfizer's bivalent RSVpreF vaccine for the Vaccines for Children Program (applying to pregnant people under 19 years of age).

The agency specifically recommended that expectant mothers 32 to 36 weeks into their pregnancy receive the shot.

Pfizer has said its maternal vaccine could prevent up to 16,000 hospitalizations and around 322,000 visits to the doctor due to RSV if the shot becomes available in the U.S. this fall and winter. 

In July, The FDA cleared an RSV antibody injection for infants from Sanofi SA SNY and AstraZeneca Plc SNY, but that treatment is administered directly to babies. 

Price Action: PFE shares are up 0.03% at $32.70 during the premarket session on the last check Monday.