Health

NPRA Approves Malaysia’s First RSV Vaccine, Protecting Both Infants and Older Adults

The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) has officially approved ABRYSVO®, Malaysia’s first Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine.

It’s designed for two of the most vulnerable groups:

  • Pregnant individuals (to protect newborns up to 6 months of age)
  • Older adults aged 60 and above

This marks a major milestone in preventive healthcare for Malaysian families.

Why It Matters

RSV is a seasonal virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages. Often mistaken for the common cold, it can lead to serious complications, especially in newborns, older adults, and those with chronic illnesses like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.

For infants, ABRYSVO showed 81.8% protection in the first 90 days after birth, and 69.4% within 6 months.
For older adults, the vaccine proved 88.9% effective against severe RSV-related illness.

Protecting the Youngest

Administered during pregnancy (between 24–36 weeks), ABRYSVO helps shield babies during their first six months when their immune systems are at their weakest. Globally, RSV is one of the top causes of infant hospitalisations, with over 6.6 million cases in children under six months recorded each year.

Safeguarding the Oldest

Older adults face higher risks due to weakened immunity and chronic health conditions. In Europe alone, RSV caused 273,000 hospitalisations and nearly 20,000 deaths in those aged 60+ in 2019. Studies also show RSV-related hospitalisations can be more severe than influenza.

A Step Forward for Families

“ABRYSVO represents a new chapter in public health, protecting both the youngest and oldest members of our community with one vaccine,” said Deborah Seifert, Cluster Lead for Pfizer Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines.

The vaccine will be available soon at hospitals and clinics nationwide. Malaysians are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals to learn more about RSV and assess their eligibility for vaccination.

nur

Recent Posts

ASICS Unveils Limited KLSCM 2025 Merch & Shakeout Run Hype

ASICS Malaysia is warming up for the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2025 with… Read More

11 hours ago

Starbucks x Tourism Malaysia Brew Up a Collab for Visit Malaysia 2026

Big news for caffeine lovers and travel junkies: Starbucks Malaysia and Tourism Malaysia just linked… Read More

12 hours ago

OREO x BABYMONSTER: The Collab That Turns Snacking Into a Dance Floor

Strap in, MONSTIEZ, OREO just teamed up with BABYMONSTER, and it’s not just a cookie… Read More

13 hours ago

BONIA La Luna, The Watch That’s Basically Main Character Energy

BONIA just dropped the La Luna BNB10860, and let’s be real, this isn’t your everyday… Read More

13 hours ago

Prostate Cancer Breakthroughs with Nuclear Medicine

Prostate Cancer Breakthroughs with Nuclear Medicine When a 72-year-old patient found himself unable to enjoy… Read More

2 days ago

Bata Celebrates 131 Years Globally and 95 Years in Malaysia – From First Steps to Forward Futures

Bata celebrated Founder’s Day with a double milestone: 131 years of global heritage and 95… Read More

2 days ago

This website uses cookies.