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US approves 1st vaccine for RSV after decades of attempts

Published

2 years ago

May 3, 2023

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. approved the first vaccine for RSV on Wednesday, shots to protect older adults against a respiratory virus that’s most notorious for attacking babies but endangers their grandparents, too.

The Food and Drug Administration decision makes GSK’s shot, called Arexvy, the first of several potential vaccines in the pipeline for RSV to be licensed anywhere.

The move sets the stage for adults 60 and older to get vaccinated this fall — but first, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must decide if every senior really needs RSV protection or only those considered at high risk from the respiratory syncytial virus. CDC’s advisers will debate that question in June.

After decades of failure in the quest for an RSV vaccine, doctors are anxious to finally have something to offer — especially after a virus surge that strained hospitals last fall.

“This is a great first step … to protect older persons from serious RSV disease,” said Dr. William Schaffner, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, who wasn’t involved with its development. Next, “we’re going to be working our way down the age ladder” for what’s expected to be a string of new protections.

The FDA is considering competitor Pfizer’s similar vaccine for older adults. Pfizer also is seeking approval to vaccinate pregnant women, so their babies are born with some of mom’s protection.

There isn’t a vaccine for kids yet but high-risk infants often get monthly doses of a protective drug during RSV season — and European regulators recently approved the first one-dose option. The FDA also is considering whether to approve Sanofi and AstraZeneca’s one-shot medicine.

“This is a very exciting time with multiple potential RSV solutions coming out after years of really nothing,” said Dr. Phil Dormitzer, chief of vaccine research and development for GSK, formerly known as GlaxoSmithKline.

RSV is a cold-like nuisance for most people but it can be life-threatening for the very young, the elderly and people with certain high-risk health problems. It can impede babies’ breathing by inflaming their tiny airways, or creep deep into seniors’ lungs to cause pneumonia.

In the U.S., about 58,000 children younger than 5 are hospitalized for RSV each year and several hundred die. Among older adults, as many as 177,000 are hospitalized with RSV and up to 14,000 die annually.

Why has it taken so long to come up with a vaccine? The field suffered a major setback in the 1960s when an experimental shot worsened infections in children. Scientists finally figured out a better way to develop these vaccines — although modern candidates still were first tested with adults.

GSK’s new vaccine for older adults trains the immune system to recognize a protein on RSV’s surface, and contains an ingredient called an adjuvant to further rev up that immune reaction.

In an international study of about 25,000 people 60 and older, one dose of the vaccine was nearly 83% effective at preventing RSV lung infections, and reduced the risk of severe infections by 94%.

To see how long protection lasts, GSK is tracking study participants for three years, comparing some who get just one vaccination during that time and others given a yearly booster.

Shot reactions were typical of vaccinations, such as muscle pain and fatigue.

There was a hint of a rare but serious risk — one case of Guillain-Barre syndrome, which can cause usually temporary paralysis, and two cases of a type of brain and spinal cord inflammation. The FDA said it was requiring the company to continue studying if there really is a link to the vaccine.

If the CDC ultimately recommends the vaccination for some or even all seniors, it will add another shot for the fall along with their yearly flu vaccine – and maybe another COVID-19 booster.

“We’ll have to educate the population that this virus that not everyone has heard about is actually an important threat to their health in the wintertime,” said Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University. ___

Florida

Ex-GOP Rep. David Jolly Endorsed by 60 Democratic Leaders for Florida Governor

Published

3 months ago

August 6, 2025

Willie David

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN) — In a stunning show of bipartisan appeal, former Republican U.S. Congressman David Jolly has secured endorsements from 60 current and former Democratic leaders in his campaign for Florida Governor, according to a press release sent to Florida National News.

Jolly, now the leading Democratic contender for the state’s top job, received backing from high-profile names including former state lawmakers, party chairs, mayors, and congressional members. The endorsement list reflects a broad coalition across Florida’s political and geographic landscape—spanning moderates, progressives, and longtime Democratic powerbrokers.

Widespread Support for Jolly’s Affordability Agenda

Jolly’s supporters pointed to Florida’s affordability crisis as a central issue uniting their support.
“David Jolly is the kind of leader who fights for what’s right and knows what working families are going through,” said former Florida Democratic Party Chair Rod Smith. “It’s time to rally behind someone with the courage and vision to fix it.”

Nan Rich, former state senator and Broward County Commissioner, added, “David understands that Florida’s affordability crisis is hurting families across our state. He’s focused on real, practical solutions—and building an inclusive coalition that can win.”

Former Congressman Allen Boyd also emphasized Jolly’s bipartisan credentials: “For too long, the extremes have driven up the cost of living. David Jolly knows how to govern and build consensus.”

A Bipartisan Leader with Democratic Momentum

Despite his Republican roots, Jolly has become a vocal critic of his former party and has aligned with key Democratic priorities in recent years. His policy platform addresses rising housing costs, soaring insurance premiums, and access to healthcare and education.

State Sen. Tina Polsky called Jolly “the Democrat who can win,” saying, “He has the strength, the experience, and the independence to break through the noise and finally flip Florida.”

Former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman noted, “I’ve seen David Jolly put people over party. That’s the kind of leadership we need now.”

Unprecedented Democratic Coalition

The full list of endorsements includes former House speakers, Senate leaders, state commissioners, and local officials from every corner of the state. Many emphasized Jolly’s ability to unify a fractured electorate and deliver solutions on urgent cost-of-living issues.

Former state Rep. Janet C. Long added, “I’ve worked with David. He’s someone who listens, collaborates, and delivers. That’s the kind of leader Florida needs now.”

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J Willie David, III | newsroom@FloridaNationalNews.com

Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Place Tackle Garret Greenfield on Reserve/Retired List

Published

3 months ago

July 24, 2025

FNN SPORTS

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – Florida National News has confirmed that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have officially placed offensive tackle Garret Greenfield on the Reserve/Retired List, according to the team’s transaction report released today.

Greenfield, who signed with the Buccaneers earlier this year as an undrafted free agent out of South Dakota State, had been competing for a roster spot during training camp. His move to the Reserve/Retired List removes him from the active roster while retaining his rights should he choose to return to the NFL.

The Buccaneers continue their 2025 training camp at the AdventHealth Training Center as they prepare for the upcoming preseason schedule.

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J Willie David, III contributed to this report. He can be reached at Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

Politics

Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Eleven New Bills Into Florida Law

Published

5 months ago

May 19, 2025

FNN NEWS

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed eleven bills into law today, enacting measures that address state-owned land annexation, pawnbroker transactions, migrant vessel handling, and various property and utility regulations.

Among the bills signed was CS/CS/SB 384, allowing municipalities to annex state-owned lands under specific conditions, and CS/CS/HB 715, tightening oversight and requirements for roofing services in the state. The Governor also approved CS/SB 830, addressing the disposition of migrant vessels arriving in Florida waters, reinforcing maritime security protocols.

Other legislation includes CS/CS/HB 429, updating regulations between motor vehicle manufacturers and franchised dealers, CS/CS/HB 481, designating anchoring limitation areas to protect Florida’s waterways, and CS/HB 1137, restricting local governments from prohibiting certain utility services.

Governor DeSantis also authorized HB 307, which provides bonuses for employees of property appraisers’ offices, and CS/CS/SB 678, which revises pawnbroker transaction form requirements. Additionally, CS/CS/HB 253 enhances penalties for specific motor vehicle offenses, CS/SB 388 addresses trust fund regulations, and CS/CS/HB 1359 initiates a feasibility study for a statewide pawn data database.

This legislative package reflects the Governor’s continued focus on property protection, maritime security, consumer regulation, and utility access across Florida.