Moderna will provide up to 24 million doses of its vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to six European countries thanks to a contract signed with the European Commission under the joint procurement mechanism. The agreement, valid for up to four years and intended to support preparedness for the 2026-2027 winter season, aims to strengthen the protection of the most vulnerable people and reduce pressure on healthcare systems.
WHAT THE AGREEMENT PROVIDES
The framework contract was signed under the European joint procurement mechanism, at the request of Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, and Portugal. The agreement makes up to 24 million doses of the mRNA vaccine mRESVIA available, without a minimum purchase quantity, and will remain in force for a maximum of four years.
According to Moderna, the vaccine will be distributed in a ready-to-use single-dose pre-filled syringe, a solution designed to simplify administration by healthcare professionals.
THE VACCINE AND THE EXTENSION OF INDICATIONS
mRESVIA, the Commission specifies, is authorized in the European Union for the prevention of lower respiratory tract diseases caused by respiratory syncytial virus in adults. The vaccine, based on mRNA technology, induces cells to produce an inactive viral protein, thus stimulating the immune response and the production of protective antibodies.
European authorization was granted in August 2024 for those over 60 and was subsequently extended to younger adults at high risk of developing severe forms of the disease. At the beginning of 2026, a committee of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) also recommended expanding the indication to all adults aged 18 and over, paving the way for broader use of the vaccine.
WHY RSV IS A PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE
RSV is a very common respiratory virus and in most cases causes symptoms similar to those of a cold. However, in the most vulnerable people, especially the elderly, it can progress to lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia, with potentially serious consequences.
Every year the virus is responsible for the hospitalization of over 156,000 adults in Europe. It also represents one of the main causes of pneumonia and mortality in both newborns and the elderly population.
THE COMMISSION’S GOAL
For Brussels, greater availability of vaccines against RSV could help reduce the burden of respiratory infections on hospitals during the winter months, when the circulation of seasonal viruses puts increased pressure on healthcare systems.
The Commission also emphasizes that preventing RSV infections can promote more appropriate use of antibiotics, reducing precautionary prescriptions and helping to combat antimicrobial resistance, one of EMA’s priorities as well.
As of July 2026, 39 countries have joined the Joint Procurement Agreement, the European Union mechanism that allows states to jointly purchase medical countermeasures on a voluntary basis to strengthen preparedness for future health emergencies and pandemics.
“With today’s joint procurement for an RSV vaccine, we are helping Member States strengthen their preparedness against this serious virus ahead of the next winter season – said Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management –. This will help protect the most vulnerable people and reduce the pressure respiratory infections place on our hospitals during the winter months. Being prepared today means saving lives when the next seasonal peak arrives.”
THE RSV VACCINE MARKET
For Moderna, this is a new agreement with the European Commission following the framework contract signed in 2025 for the supply of COVID-19 vaccines. The company currently has four approved mRNA vaccines against respiratory infections, including a combined influenza and COVID-19 vaccine authorized in Europe.
In the RSV vaccine segment, competition continues with GSK’s Arexvy and Pfizer’s Abrysvo, which remain the best-selling products worldwide. Meanwhile, in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded in June 2025 the authorization for the use of mRESVIA to all adults at increased risk of developing lower respiratory tract diseases caused by RSV, although it did not recommend its use for the entire adult population.
