First Pfizer Vaccine Approved to Prevent Severe Respiratory Infections in Infants

On Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Pfizer's first vaccine named 'Abrysvo' to prevent severe respiratory infections in infants. This vaccine is administered to pregnant mothers in their third trimester to prevent severe respiratory infections in newborns at birth. The Hill reported that while this drug was previously approved for preventing respiratory infections in older adults, the advisory committee of the FDA recommends its use as a single-dose injection for mothers between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. This FDA approval also addresses the impact of severe respiratory infections on infants, a group that is more vulnerable to severe respiratory illnesses. Meanwhile, clinical trials showed that this vaccine reduces the risk of respiratory diseases by approximately 82% in the first 90 days after birth and about 70% in the first 180 days. However, due to concerns about premature birth and side effects, the FDA has called for post-marketing research from Pfizer. According to the report, cases of severe respiratory infections typically increase in the fall and peak in the winter, affecting infants and young children. Last month, the FDA also approved the first drug to protect infants against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is administered as an injection.