RSV vaccine

Respiratory syncytial virus, flu, and COVID-19 — the “tripledemic”

by Michael Simpson
2022-11-02
Bavarian Nordic, COVID-19, GSK, Infectious disease, Moderna, Pfizer, RSV vaccine

I rarely write about the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), but the number of people infected by the virus, especially children, is leading to a fear of a tripledemic that includes RSV, the seasonal flu, and our constant nemesis, COVID-19. I guess this is the time I start writing more about the respiratory syncytial virus because everyone needs to be aware of this infectious disease.

This post will review what respiratory syncytial virus is, why it is so dangerous to children and seniors, and whether a vaccine is available.

New vaccines wishlist — I am looking beyond COVID-19

by Michael Simpson
2022-05-05
GSK, Merck, Moderna, Pfizer, RSV vaccine, Sanofi, Vaccines

I once was accused of not being opposed to any vaccine on the market, but little did they know I have a wishlist for new vaccines that goes beyond all that. Believe it or not, there are pathogens out there that still have a deleterious effect on the health of mothers, children, and everyone.

I just wanted to spend a bit of time talking about some of the diseases where new vaccines could improve health outcomes in significant ways. Let’s take a look at some of them.

RSV vaccine candidates are entering phase 3 trials — stopping a dangerous disease

by Michael Simpson
2022-03-29
Infectious disease, Moderna, Pfizer, RSV vaccine

A respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine has been a goal for researchers for a long time, given the serious outcomes of an RSV infection. According to the CDC, an RSV vaccine could dramatically reduce hospital and intensive-care admissions, especially for children and seniors.

A series of clinical trials tested a vaccine made from inactivated RSV in children in the 1960s. Unfortunately, the vaccine candidate worsened the disease in children when they were later naturally infected with RSV.

However, these new vaccines have shown good safety and effectiveness results in clinical trials. This article will review what RSV is and the list of vaccine candidates that are entering or are in phase 3 clinical trials.