Abstract

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a significant cause of respiratory illness, particularly in infants, young children, and the elderly. Despite its impact, there is no licensed vaccine for RSV, highlighting an urgent need for effective prevention strategies. This mini-review examines current and future RSV vaccination strategies, including maternal immunization, live attenuated vaccines, subunit and nanoparticle vaccines, mRNA vaccines, and novel vaccine platforms like virus-like particles (VLPs) and vectored vaccines. Maternal immunization has shown promise in reducing severe RSV infections in infants, while live attenuated vaccines and subunit vaccines are being explored in early clinical trials. Preliminary studies on mRNA vaccines and novel vaccine platforms indicate promising immune responses. Challenges such as immunosenescence, vaccine efficacy, and safety considerations across different age groups remain. Collaborative efforts between researchers, clinicians, and industry stakeholders are essential to advance RSV vaccine development. Overall, while progress is being made, continued research and innovation are crucial to develop safe and effective RSV vaccines to reduce the global burden of RSV-related illness.