Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: livescience
Context: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval to Pfizer’s vaccine, Abrysvo, aimed at safeguarding new-borns from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by vaccinating pregnant individuals during the latter stages of pregnancy.
- Abrysvo has been authorized for use in adults aged 60 and above to protect them from RSV. The vaccine generates passive immunity by producing antibodies against RSV in pregnant individuals, which are then passed on to their foetuses in the uterus.
Abrysvo’s approval is based on its demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the risk of severe lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in new-borns. However, concerns have been raised about potential preterm births in response to the vaccine, similar to issues seen with another competitor vaccine.
About Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a common respiratory illness that primarily affects infants, young children, and older adults. RSV belongs to the family of viruses called Paramyxoviridae and is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, especially in children under the age of two.
The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and it can also be transmitted through direct contact with contaminated surfaces.
