Impact of New CDC Guidelines on RSV Vaccine Makers

New CDC Recommendations::

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidelines for RSV vaccination, recommending shots for adults aged 75 and older and those between 60 and 74 years who are at higher risk of severe disease.

Market Impact::

Shares of RSV vaccine manufacturers like Moderna, Pfizer, and GSK have fallen following the CDC's updated guidelines. The new recommendations have narrowed the target population for vaccination, potentially affecting market demand.

Safety Concerns::

The CDC has raised concerns about a rare neurological side effect called Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) associated with some RSV vaccines. This has led to a more cautious approach in recommending vaccinations for certain age groups.

Vaccine Efficacy::

Clinical trial results indicate that RSV vaccination can reduce the risk of severe RSV complications by up to 94%. Early estimates suggest a 75% to 82% effectiveness in preventing hospitalizations among adults aged 60 and older.

Implementation Challenges::

The previous shared clinical decision-making (SCDM) approach for RSV vaccination has been criticized for being confusing and time-consuming. The new guidelines aim to simplify the process by clarifying risk factors and reducing implementation barriers.

Vaccination Uptake::

Despite the importance of RSV vaccination, uptake has been low. As of early May, only about 24% of adults aged 60 and older reported getting vaccinated, with an additional 11% planning to get vaccinated.

Future Considerations::

The CDC advisory committee has postponed discussions on vaccine recommendations for adults aged 50 to 59 years, which could delay GSK’s plans to expand its vaccine’s use in this age group.