Europe expands GSK's RSV vaccine to all adults 18 and older
The European Commission has broadened approval for GSK's RSV vaccine, Arexvy, to include all adults aged 18 and above. Previously, the jab was restricted mainly to those over 60 and certain high-risk groups between 50 and 59. The move follows a recommendation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
The expanded authorisation removes earlier limits on who could receive the vaccine. Before this decision, only adults aged 60 and older—or those aged 50 to 59 with specific chronic conditions—were eligible. The change now allows any adult aged 18 or over to access the vaccine.
The decision comes after research by the European Resceu consortium highlighted the serious impact of RSV in younger adults. Their data showed that around 158,000 adults aged 18 and older are hospitalised annually in the EU due to RSV infections. The virus poses a greater risk of severe illness and death in adults than in children, particularly for those with chronic conditions like COPD or heart failure.
Arexvy works by using a lab-engineered protein (RSVPreF3) combined with GSK's immune-boosting adjuvant (AS01E) to strengthen protection. The vaccine targets lower respiratory tract infections caused by RSV. GSK is now seeking similar approval expansions in other regions, including the United States and Japan, though these have not yet been granted for the general adult population.
The new ruling applies across all EU member states, as well as Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein within the European Economic Area (EEA).
With this approval, more adults in Europe can now receive the vaccine to guard against RSV-related complications. GSK continues to push for wider access in other countries, though no additional regions have yet approved the jab for all adults. The decision reflects growing recognition of RSV's threat beyond older age groups.
