Respiratory syncytial virus prefusion F protein vaccine weakens respiratory syncytial virus-associated symptoms in acute respiratory infections

According to a recent study, respiratory syncytial virus prefusion F protein (RSVPreF3 OA) vaccine helps attenuate the severity of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated symptoms in acute respiratory infections (ARIs). This study was published in the journal, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses.

This phase 3 trial included adults aged ≥60 years who were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either one dose of RSVPreF3 OA vaccine (N = 12,466) or placebo (N = 12,494). Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were assessed using Short Form-12 (SF-12), InFLUenza Patient-Reported Outcome (FLU-PRO), and EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaires. Wilcoxon test was used to compare the Peak FLU-PRO Chest/Respiratory scores during the first 7 days from ARI episode onset. Along with this, EQ-5D health utility scores and least squares mean (LSMean) of SF-12 physical functioning (PF) were estimated.

In the vaccine group, 27 first RSV-ARI episodes were observed, compared to 95 in the placebo group. For the RSVPreF3 OA group, median peak FLU-PRO Chest/Respiratory scores were lower (1.07) versus placebo group (1.86). The LSMean group differences for the EQ-5D health utility score and PF were 7.00.

From the above study, it can be concluded that RSVPreF3 OA vaccine may not only prevent infection but may also attenuate the severity of RSV-associated symptoms in breakthrough infections.