23/08/2024 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 23 August, the European Commission authorised the ‘mResvia’ mRNA vaccine (developed by Moderna) to immunise adults over 60 of age against lower respiratory tract disease caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This is a common respiratory virus, with generally mild symptoms, but which can have serious consequences for vulnerable people, including the elderly. The authorisation of mResvia comes ahead of the autumn/winter season, when respiratory infections such as RSV tend to peak in the European Union (see EUROPE 13195/19). This green light from the Commission follows a positive scientific opinion from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in June 2024. It is now up to the national authorities in each Member State to decide whether and how to use the vaccine in accordance with their national vaccination plans. (LC)