GSK measles vaccine given FDA nod, as US vaccine rates have fallen
Child vaccination rates in the US fell during the Covid-19 pandemic as many parents did not have their children vaccinated and states eased vaccine requirements during remote learning
British drugmaker GSK said on Monday its vaccine, Priorix, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) in those aged one year and above.
The vaccine can be given as two doses, and may also be administered as a second shot to individuals who were previously vaccinated with a first dose of another MMR-containing vaccine, GSK said.
Child vaccination rates in the US fell during the Covid-19 pandemic as many children skipped doctor appointments and states eased vaccine requirements during remote learning, according to a government study released in May.
"We're proud to make Priorix available in the US for the first time, adding a choice for providers to help protect patients against these highly-contagious diseases," GSK head of US vaccines Judy Stewart said.
In recent years, measles outbreaks have occurred globally with more than 400,000 cases confirmed in 2019 — a setback in the progress towards eliminating the disease in many countries.
Priorix, Priorix Tetra and chickenpox vaccine Varilrix contributed about £260m to GSK’s vaccines turnover in 2021.
GSK, which is spinning off its consumer health business, is sharpening its focus on vaccines and prescription drugs.
Reuters