Europe moves to widen RSV shots for all adults as US checks infant protections. I can confirm the EMA has recommended expanding GSK’s Arexvy for everyone 18 and older. At the same time, US regulators have opened a safety review of infant RSV antibody shots, with no new safety problems reported. This is a turning point for RSV prevention, for both grownups and babies.
What changed today
I have verified that Europe’s drug regulator is backing Arexvy for all adults, not just older or high risk groups. If finalized, countries across the EU could allow adult RSV vaccination as early as the start of 2026. That would mark the first broad adult RSV program in the region.
In the United States, the FDA has begun a routine safety review of injectable antibodies used to protect infants and toddlers. These include Merck’s Enflonsia and Sanofi and AstraZeneca’s Beyfortus. Reviews like this are standard after wide rollout. Officials say they have not seen new safety signals to date.
These actions raise the stakes for vaccine and antibody makers, including GSK, Pfizer, Moderna, Merck, and Sanofi. More choices are coming for adults. Strong infant protections are staying in place while safety is checked and confirmed.
Why this matters for your health
RSV is not just a cold. It can trigger wheezing, pneumonia, and hospital stays. The biggest risks are in newborns, older adults, and people with lung or heart disease.
The good news is clear. Since last season, the new tools have worked. Infant hospitalizations fell sharply where maternal RSV vaccination and long acting antibodies were used. Drops of about 43 to 52 percent were seen in babies under 7 months, with reductions up to about 71 percent in the youngest newborns.
Real world studies show the infant antibody nirsevimab cut the risk of RSV hospital stays by about 71 to 77 percent. That is strong protection for a single shot at the start of the season.
For adults, broader access to vaccination could cut severe cases and ease pressure on clinics this winter. Adults with asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, or who are pregnant can benefit most. Healthy young adults are less likely to get very sick, but they do spread RSV to family members.
US officials report no new safety signals in the infant antibody review. Parents should keep appointments unless your child’s doctor advises a change.
What to do now
If you are 18 or older in Europe, plan ahead. The EMA’s move means your doctor may soon offer an RSV vaccine, depending on your country’s rules. If you have a chronic condition, ask about getting protected as soon as supplies and guidance allow.
If you are pregnant, talk to your prenatal care team about maternal RSV vaccination in late pregnancy. This helps shield your newborn during the highest risk months. If you have a baby entering RSV season, ask about a long acting antibody. One dose can protect for the season.
Every family can lower spread with simple steps. These help with RSV, flu, and colds.
- Wash hands often, 20 seconds with soap
- Keep sick people home, especially from newborns
- Clean high touch surfaces daily
- Ventilate rooms, crack a window if you can
- Wear a mask in crowded clinics or during local surges
Make a plan now. Check your vaccine records, schedule fall appointments, and ask your clinic about infant antibody supply before your due date.
The bigger picture
These decisions reflect a new phase in RSV prevention. In infants, real world data show fewer hospital beds filled and less oxygen support needed. In adults, widening access points to a shift from react to prevent. For companies, the race is on to serve both age groups well, with proof from real life, not just trials. For the rest of us, the goal is simple, fewer infections and safer winters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is RSV?
A: RSV is a common respiratory virus. It spreads through droplets and surfaces. It can cause colds, wheezing, and pneumonia, especially in babies and older adults.
Q: Who should get an RSV vaccine now?
A: Follow your local guidance. In many places, adults 60 and older, and those with health risks, are eligible today. Europe is moving toward all adults 18 and older. Ask your clinician what is right for you.
Q: Are infant RSV antibody shots safe?
A: Regulators monitor safety all the time. The current US review is routine, and no new safety problems have been found so far. Talk to your pediatrician about benefits and any risks.
Q: How effective are the infant options?
A: Real world data show the long acting antibody can cut RSV hospital risk by about 71 to 77 percent. Maternal vaccination also protects newborns in their first months.
Q: When is RSV season?
A: RSV usually rises in fall and winter. Timing can shift by region. Your local health department or pediatric clinic can advise on peak months.
In short, adults are on the cusp of wider access to RSV vaccines, and infants remain protected while safety checks continue. Put prevention on your calendar, protect the youngest and the oldest, and head into winter with a plan. 🛡️
