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MHRA Approves Moderna’s mRESVIA RSV Vaccine for Adults Aged 60 and Over

3 March, 2025

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has granted approval for Moderna's mRESVIA vaccine, designed to protect adults aged 60 and over from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This approval marks a significant advancement in safeguarding older populations against serious respiratory diseases associated with RSV.

Introduction:

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common pathogen that can lead to severe respiratory tract infections, particularly in older adults. Recognising the heightened risk among individuals aged 60 and above, the MHRA has approved Moderna’s mRESVIA vaccine to enhance protection against RSV-related illnesses.

Key Details of the Approval:

  1. Vaccine Efficacy:
    Clinical trials involving over 35,000 participants aged 60 and older demonstrated that approximately four months post-vaccination, there was a 79% reduction in the risk of developing lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV among those who received mRESVIA compared to the placebo group.
  2. Administration Protocol:
    The mRESVIA vaccine is administered as a single 0.5 mL intramuscular injection into the upper arm by a qualified healthcare professional.
  3. Mechanism of Action:
    Utilising mRNA technology, the vaccine instructs cells to produce a protein found on the RSV virus, thereby stimulating the immune system to generate antibodies that protect against RSV-related lung diseases.
  4. Common Side Effects:
    Reported side effects, affecting more than 1 in 10 individuals, include swelling or tenderness in the underarm, headache, muscle and joint aches, injection site pain, fatigue, and chills.

Implications for Public Health:

The approval of mRESVIA offers a valuable tool in reducing RSV-related illnesses among older adults, potentially decreasing hospital admissions and alleviating pressures on healthcare services, particularly during the winter months when respiratory infections are more prevalent.​

Conclusion:

The MHRA’s approval of Moderna’s mRESVIA vaccine represents a pivotal step in enhancing respiratory health for adults aged 60 and over in the UK. By providing effective protection against RSV, this vaccine contributes to broader public health efforts aimed at safeguarding vulnerable populations from serious respiratory infections.​

 

Read more: mRESVIA RSV vaccine approved to protect patients aged 60 and over

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