Comprehensive review of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination: Progress, challenges, and future direction

This comprehensive review explores the current state of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination, emphasizing the developmental progress, potential benefits, challenges, and future directions. Drawing insights from scientific literature, ongoing clinical trials, and health organizations, the review crititically assesses the effectiveness and safety of RSV vaccine candidates. Key themes include the prevention of RSV infections, the reduction of illness severity, challenges in age-specific considerations, and the role of herd immunity. As several vaccine candidates approach regulatory approval, this review provides recommendations for targeted vaccination strategies, international collaboration, and robust surveillance systems. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading global cause of respiratory infections in infants and the second most frequent cause of death during the first year of life. This highly contagious seasonal virus is responsible for approximately 3 million hospitalizations and 120,000 deaths annually among children under the age of 5 years. Bronchiolitis is the most common severe manifestation; however, RSV infections are associated with an increased long-term risk for recurring wheezing and the development of asthma. There is an unmet need for new agents and a universal strategy to prevent RSV infections starting at the time of birth.