regional Divide Emerges Over RSV Vaccination for Vulnerable Adults in Spain
spain is experiencing a fragmented rollout of a new vaccine against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), despite recommendations for its inclusion in public health programs. While a panel of experts advised incorporating the vaccine for vulnerable adults – specifically those over 60 in residential care and transplant patients – in the autumn of 2024, a decision at the Public Health Commission delayed a nationwide implementation until the winter of 2026-27.
This delay hasn’t prevented individual regions from moving forward. At least eight Spanish communities are initiating their own vaccination campaigns this year, allocating approximately 24.5 million euros for 233,000 doses of Arexvy,the GSK vaccine priced at 104.90 euros per dose (excluding VAT). These regions are Aragón, Castilla y León, Community Valenciana, Extremadura, Madrid, Murcia, La Rioja (all governed by the PP party), and Asturias (governed by the PSOE party). Castilla y León has not yet released data on its spending.
Several other regions have opted to postpone vaccination for now: Andalusia, Galicia, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands (PP-governed, with the Canary islands in a coalition), Catalonia, Castilla-La Mancha, Navarra (all PSOE-governed), and the Basque Country (PNV in coalition with the PSE-PSOE). Cantabria (PP-governed) has not responded to inquiries regarding its plans.
The procurement process has been complex. Several regions – Aragón, Castilla y León, Murcia, La Rioja, and Asturias – utilized direct negotiation for purchases, citing clinical trial data suggesting the vaccine’s protection lasts for three seasons, albeit with diminishing efficacy (82% in the first year).
Madrid’s public tender initially favored Moderna’s vaccine at 66.54 euros per dose, significantly cheaper than GSK’s offering. However, Moderna was ultimately disqualified because its doses didn’t meet the requirement of a shelf life exceeding 12 months from delivery. This led Moderna to challenge similar clauses in tenders launched by the Valencian Community and Extremadura, temporarily halting those processes.The Valencian Community has as received a ruling from the Central Administrative Court of Contractual Resources allowing it to proceed with its tender, while Extremadura has not yet provided an update.
The United States began using the RSV vaccine two years ago, with several European governments following suit. This situation mirrors a previous rollout of Beyfortus, where regional variations occurred after initial discussions.
