Canada approves Moderna’s RSV vaccine for those age 60 and older, company says
Moderna Receives Health Canada Approval for RSV Vaccine for Adults Aged 60 Years and Older
Moderna announced on Friday that Canada’s health regulator has given the green light for its vaccine targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in adults aged 60 and above. This marks the first mRNA-based shot authorized in the country for this condition.
The approved vaccine, mRESVIA, is designed to prevent lower respiratory tract disease in older adults, with the company expecting to supply it in early 2025. Moderna highlighted the potential of mRNA vaccines, which instruct the body to produce specific proteins for the immune system to identify and combat, as a promising approach for treating various diseases more effectively than traditional vaccines.
Recently, British pharmaceutical company GSK also received approval in Canada for its RSV vaccine for adults aged 50 to 59 years. GSK’s Arexvy and Pfizer’s Abrysvo, both protein-based vaccines, are already cleared for use in adults aged 60 and older in Canada.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommended RSV immunization for adults over 75 years old earlier this year, with a specific emphasis on those living in long-term care or chronic care facilities. Moderna’s mRNA vaccine for RSV was previously approved in the United States for the same age group and has also been given the green light in Europe and Qatar.
Moderna’s RSV vaccine stands out as the first of its kind to be available in a pre-filled syringe, simplifying the administration process. The company expressed its commitment to collaborating with various stakeholders in Canada to ensure eligible individuals have access to the vaccine.
While the product is not yet listed in Health Canada’s approved vaccine database, Moderna remains optimistic about its availability in the near future. RSV, a virus commonly associated with cold-like symptoms, poses a significant risk of pneumonia in toddlers and older adults, underscoring the importance of preventive measures such as vaccination.
