Pfizer ‘seeking approval from Hong Kong officials to introduce RSV vaccine’, as experts say jab could help protect high-risk groups
- American pharmaceutical giant filed application for regulatory approval of its Abrysvo jab in Hong Kong last month, source familiar with situation says
- Experts say those under age of four most at risk from disease because of limited contact with respiratory syncytial virus following almost four years under Covid-19
American pharmaceutical giant Pfizer is seeking regulatory approval in Hong Kong for its vaccine against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the Post has learned, with experts saying introducing the jab may help prevent serious cases among high-risk groups.
A source familiar with the situation told the Post on Saturday that Hong Kong could become the first Asian city to be equipped with the Abrysvo jab, after the company filed an application last month.
Dr Mike Kwan Yat-wah, an honorary associate professor at the University of Hong Kong’s department of paediatrics and adolescent medicine, said RSV vaccines were unavailable in the city at present, but clinical trials showed the jabs could prevent serious infections and hospitalisation among high-risk groups.
The virus can lead to respiratory tract diseases such as airway, lung and middle ear infections.
Its symptoms include a runny nose, cough, headache, decreased appetite, body ache or weakness, as well as potential inflammation and a build-up of mucus in the middle ear.
“RSV can lead to the formation of syncytia, meaning that cells are fused together,” Kwan said.
“The large piece of dead cells could block the respiratory tract so that patients may have difficulty breathing. It is even more concerning for children with narrow respiratory tracts, such as infants, as it can impact their oxygen supply.”