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.