A living systematic review and meta analysis on the efficacy and safety of respiratory syncytial virus vaccines
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a prevalent and pervasive highly transmissible virus within the family Pneumoviridae, leading to respiratory illness of varying severity in humans. Most individuals experience their initial infection during early childhood, with near universal exposure by age two.
Since the discovery of RSV in 1956, vaccine development for the disease has been a major global health priority. Several clinical trials have taken place for nanoparticle-based and virus-like particles (VLP) RSV vaccines, which self-assemble to display several relevant viral epitopes, such as the prefusion F protein. In the EU/EEA, two RSV vaccines have been authorised for older adults 60+ years: Arexvy by GSK, and mResvia by Moderna, one RSV vaccine has been authorised for adults 18+ years (Abrysvo by Pfizer), and one has been authorised as a maternal vaccine (Abrysvo by Pfizer).
Live-attenuated candidate vaccines are also under development, which target the paediatric population via intranasal administration. These vaccines are attenuated through various approaches such as by deletion of the RSV RNA regulatory protein M2-2.
Understanding the different RSV vaccine subtypes and their safety, efficacy and effectiveness is essential for considerations related to implementation of vaccination programmes.
