Pfizer, GSK Gain ACIP Recommendations for RSV and Meningococcal Vaccines
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to expand access to Pfizer’s respiratory syncytial virus vaccine Abrysvo for high-risk adults in their 50s and voted in favor of GSK’s meningococcal vaccine, Penmenvy, for streamlined adolescent protection.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has issued new separate recommendations supporting expanded use of Pfizer’s respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, Abrysvo, and GSK’s Penmenvy (meningococcal groups A, B, C, W, and Y Vaccine), a newly approved 5-in-1 meningococcal vaccine.1,2
Pfizer
ACIP voted to broaden its recommendation for RSV vaccines such as Abrysvo to include adults aged 50 to 59 years with an increased risk for severe RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease. This vote builds on the FDA’s October 2024 approval of Abrysvo for adults between 18 and 59 years of age with a heightened risk. The recommendation is pending final sign-off from the CDC director and the Department of Health and Human Services.1
“With its vote to expand adult RSV vaccination recommendations, ACIP has taken an important step toward protecting individuals aged 50 to 59 who have underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for severe RSV illness,” said Alejandro Cane, VP, vaccines and antivirals US medical lead, Pfizer, in a press release. “We are proud that Abrysvo has the broadest indication among RSV vaccines, covering older adults, adults 18 and older at heightened risk of severe disease, and pregnant women to help protect infants.”
According to the World Health Organization, RSV causes approximately 3.6 million hospitalizations and around 100,000 deaths annually among children worldwide, with 97% of fatalities occurring in low- and middle-income countries. In the United States, the virus is estimated cause approximately 160,000 hospitalizations and 10,000 deaths annually in adults over 65 years of age. Risk of hospitalization is higher among individuals with underlying conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and congestive heart failure.2
GSK
In another vote, ACIP recommended Penmenvy as an alternative to separate meningococcal group ACWY and meningococcal group B (MenB) vaccinations when both are administered during the same visit for patients over 10 years of age. The vaccine combines antigenic components from GSK’s two established meningococcal vaccines—Bexsero and Menveo—offering protection against the five major serogroups (A, B, C, W, and Y) with fewer injections.
The recommendation aims to simplify vaccine delivery and address persistently low MenB vaccination rates in US adolescents. According to CDC data, only about 13% of 17-year-olds have completed the recommended MenB series.3
CDC statistics indicate that cases of meningococcal disease in the United States have increased dramatically since 2021, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, 438 cases were reported, which was the largest number reported in the United States since 2013. Meningococcal disease disproportionately affects people between 30 and 60 years of age, Black individuals, and adults living with HIV.4 While meningococcal is rare, it has a mortality rate between 10% and 15%, even when treated with antibiotics. Within the last year, the mortality rate increased to around 18%.5
“We welcome this positive recommendation that can help strengthen disease prevention efforts in the United States,” said Tony Wood, chief scientific officer, GSK, in a press release. “Pentavalent vaccines can reduce the number of injections required to help protect against invasive meningococcal disease—especially disease caused by serogroup B. Their use could improve immunization rates among adolescents and young adults in the US, who are at an age with increased risk.”
References
1. ACIP Votes to Expand Recommendation for Pfizer’s RSV Vaccine ABRYSVO® to Include Adults Aged 50 to 59 at Increased Risk of Disease. Pfizer. April 16, 2025. Accessed April 17, 2025. https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/acip-votes-expand-recommendation-pfizers-rsv-vaccine
2. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). WHO. March 25, 2025. Accessed April 17, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/respiratory-syncytial-virus-(rsv)
3.GSK’s 5-in-1 meningococcal vaccine Penmenvy receives positive recommendation from US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. GSK. April 16, 2025. Accessed April 17, 2025. https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/gsk-s-5-in-1-meningococcal-vaccine-penmenvy-receives-positive-recommendation-from-us-advisory-committee-on-immunization-practices/
4. Meningococcal Disease Surveillance and Trends. CDC. Accessed April 17, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/php/surveillance/index.html
5. Cases of Meningococcal Disease Are Increasing in the United States. CDC. April 16, 2025. Accessed April 17, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/meningococcal-disease-cases-increasing-us.html
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