Request for Proposals: Optimizing Maternal RSV Immunization Delivery (United States)

Pfizer Global Medical Grants (GMG), in collaboration with the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), has launched a Quality Improvement Grant opportunity to improve maternal RSV immunization delivery during pregnancy across healthcare systems in the United States. The grant supports evidence-based quality improvement projects that increase vaccine access, reduce barriers, improve healthcare workflows, and strengthen maternal and infant health outcomes.

Overview of Pfizer Global Medical Grants Maternal RSV Immunization Quality Improvement Grant

Pfizer Global Medical Grants (GMG), together with the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), is supporting independent quality improvement initiatives focused on improving the delivery of maternal Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunization during pregnancy.

The grant opportunity aims to strengthen healthcare systems by supporting projects that improve how maternal RSV vaccination is delivered, accessed, and adopted in real-world clinical settings.

The program focuses on applying existing evidence and best practices to improve vaccination processes rather than conducting clinical research or testing vaccine effectiveness.

The initiative encourages healthcare organizations, providers, and community partners to develop scalable models that improve:

• Maternal RSV immunization uptake.
• Vaccine access.
• Healthcare workflow integration.
• Patient-provider communication.
• Equity in maternal healthcare.
• Long-term sustainability of immunization programs.

Purpose of the Grant Program

The primary goal of this Quality Improvement Grant is to support healthcare systems in improving maternal RSV immunization during pregnancy through practical and sustainable improvements.

The program seeks to address challenges such as:

• Limited awareness about maternal RSV immunization.
• Healthcare workflow barriers.
• Communication gaps between providers and patients.
• Vaccine access challenges.
• Health disparities affecting underserved communities.
• Lack of coordination between maternal and pediatric healthcare services.

Funded projects should focus on improving healthcare delivery systems and creating measurable improvements in vaccination outcomes.

What Is Maternal RSV Immunization?

Maternal RSV immunization refers to vaccination provided during pregnancy to help protect newborn infants from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious illness, especially in infants and young children.

Improving maternal RSV immunization delivery can help:

• Increase protection for newborns.
• Reduce severe RSV-related illness.
• Improve preventive healthcare practices.
• Strengthen coordination between maternal and infant care providers.

Key Focus Areas of the Grant

The grant supports projects that improve maternal RSV immunization through system-level interventions and healthcare improvements.

Priority areas include:

Improving Healthcare Workflow Integration

Projects may focus on integrating RSV immunization into routine maternal healthcare services.

Examples include:

• Adding vaccination processes into prenatal care workflows.
• Improving electronic health record reminders.
• Creating standardized vaccination protocols.
• Reducing missed vaccination opportunities.

Strengthening Care Coordination

The program encourages collaboration between healthcare professionals involved in maternal and infant care.

Potential partners include:

• Maternal-fetal medicine specialists.
• Obstetricians.
• Nurses.
• Midwives.
• Doulas.
• Pediatricians.
• Family medicine providers.
• Pharmacists.
• Public health organizations.
• Community organizations.

Improving Provider and Patient Communication

Projects may develop strategies to improve understanding and acceptance of maternal RSV vaccination.

Activities may include:

• Provider education.
• Patient communication tools.
• Vaccine counseling approaches.
• Awareness initiatives.

Reducing Barriers to Vaccine Uptake

The grant supports initiatives that address structural and behavioral barriers, including:

• Limited healthcare access.
• Vaccine hesitancy.
• Transportation challenges.
• Healthcare inequalities.
• Information gaps.

Increasing Health Equity

Priority is given to projects that improve vaccination access among:

• Underserved communities.
• Rural populations.
• Maternal care deserts.
• Communities experiencing healthcare disparities.

Why This Grant Opportunity Matters

Maternal RSV immunization plays an important role in protecting infants from serious respiratory illness. However, healthcare systems may face challenges in ensuring that eligible pregnant individuals receive recommended vaccinations.

This grant supports improvements that can help healthcare organizations:

• Increase vaccine coverage.
• Improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
• Create sustainable immunization systems.
• Reduce healthcare disparities.
• Develop scalable quality improvement models.

By focusing on system-level improvements, the program aims to create lasting changes in maternal healthcare delivery.

Funding Information

The Pfizer Global Medical Grants Quality Improvement Grant provides financial support for eligible quality improvement initiatives.

Available Funding

• Single-site or regional projects: Up to USD 100,000
• Large multi-site projects: Up to USD 200,000

Estimated Total Funding Available

• Approximately USD 200,000

Funding amounts may vary depending on project scope, impact, and available resources.

Project Timeline

Funded projects are expected to follow the proposed implementation schedule.

Key timeline details include:

• Expected project start date: December 2026
• Project period: Through the 2027–2028 RSV and respiratory disease season
• Maximum project duration: 18 months

Projects should demonstrate measurable progress and outcomes during the funding period.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The opportunity is open to organizations in the United States proposing independent quality improvement initiatives.

Eligible applicants should:

• Be involved in healthcare delivery or improvement activities.
• Have the ability to implement maternal RSV immunization improvement projects.
• Demonstrate organizational capacity.
• Develop measurable quality improvement goals.

Applicants may include healthcare organizations, healthcare systems, and collaborative groups working to improve maternal healthcare delivery.

Eligible Project Characteristics

Strong applications should include:

• Evidence-based quality improvement strategies.
• Clear implementation plans.
• Measurable outcomes.
• Sustainable healthcare system improvements.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Defined roles for participating organizations.

Projects should focus on improving current healthcare practices rather than conducting clinical research.

How to Apply for the Pfizer Maternal RSV Immunization Grant

Applicants must submit applications through the designated online application portal.

A complete application should include:

Project Proposal

Applicants should describe:

• Project objectives.
• Current challenges.
• Proposed quality improvement strategies.
• Expected impact.
• Implementation approach.

Project Timeline

Applications should provide:

• Key project activities.
• Implementation milestones.
• Expected completion dates.
• Evaluation periods.

Organizational Information

Applicants must provide details about:

• Organization background.
• Relevant healthcare experience.
• Project leadership team.
• Partner organizations.

Budget Information

Applicants must submit:

• Detailed project budget.
• Requested funding amount.
• Budget justification.
• Costs in U.S. dollars.

Supporting Documentation

Applications should include required supporting documents listed in the official request for proposals.

Allowable and Non-Allowable Expenses

Funding may support project implementation activities.

Allowable Expenses

Grant funds may support:

• Quality improvement activities.
• Project implementation.
• Program coordination.
• Equipment hire or leasing when appropriate.
• Other approved project-related expenses.

Non-Allowable Expenses

Funding cannot be used for:

• Capital purchases.
• Purchase of Pfizer therapeutic products.
• Activities unrelated to quality improvement objectives.

Institutional overhead is allowed according to Pfizer’s maximum allowable rate.

Project Requirements

Successful projects should demonstrate:

Measurable Quality Improvement Outcomes

Projects should track improvements such as:

• Increased maternal RSV vaccination rates.
• Improved healthcare access.
• Better patient engagement.
• Reduced vaccination barriers.

Sustainable System Changes

Projects should create improvements that continue beyond the grant period.

Examples include:

• Updated clinical workflows.
• Improved provider training systems.
• Long-term vaccination strategies.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Projects should involve appropriate partners with clearly defined responsibilities.

Application Review Process

Applications will be reviewed by an independent Expert Review Panel consisting of medical and quality improvement experts.

The review process will consider:

Evidence-Based Approach

Projects should use proven strategies and available evidence to improve healthcare practices.

Potential Clinical Impact

Reviewers will assess the potential to improve:

• Maternal care.
• Infant health outcomes.
• Vaccination coverage.

Quality Improvement Design

Applications should demonstrate:

• Clear goals.
• Effective implementation plans.
• Measurable outcomes.

Scalability and Sustainability

Priority will be given to projects that can be expanded or adapted across healthcare settings.

Funding Decision Process

During review, applicants may be contacted for additional clarification or information.

After evaluation:

• Applicants will receive funding decisions by email.
• Selected organizations must complete a written grant agreement with Pfizer.
• Funding will be released after agreement completion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

Proposing Clinical Research Instead of Quality Improvement

The grant supports implementation and healthcare improvement projects, not clinical trials or vaccine efficacy research.

Lack of Measurable Outcomes

Applications should clearly explain how success will be measured.

Weak Implementation Strategy

Applicants should provide detailed plans showing how project activities will be carried out.

Limited Collaboration

Projects should include appropriate healthcare and community partners where relevant.

Ignoring Health Equity

Applications should consider barriers affecting underserved communities and maternal care access.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Pfizer Global Medical Grants Maternal RSV Immunization Grant?

It is a quality improvement funding opportunity supporting healthcare initiatives that improve maternal RSV immunization delivery during pregnancy in the United States.

Who can apply for this grant?

Organizations in the United States proposing independent maternal RSV immunization quality improvement projects can apply.

How much funding can applicants request?

Single-site or regional projects may request up to USD 100,000, while larger multi-site projects may request up to USD 200,000.

What types of projects are supported?

The grant supports projects focused on workflow improvement, care coordination, provider communication, access improvement, vaccination uptake, and reducing healthcare barriers.

Can grant funds be used for clinical research?

No. The grant supports quality improvement initiatives and implementation strategies, not clinical research or therapeutic efficacy studies.

When are funded projects expected to begin?

Projects are expected to begin in December 2026 and continue through the 2027–2028 RSV and respiratory disease season.

How are applications evaluated?

Applications are reviewed by an independent expert panel based on evidence-based design, measurable outcomes, collaboration, feasibility, sustainability, and potential impact on clinical practice.

Conclusion

The Pfizer Global Medical Grants Quality Improvement Grant for Maternal RSV Immunization Delivery provides an opportunity for U.S.-based healthcare organizations to strengthen vaccination systems and improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

By supporting evidence-based quality improvement projects, multidisciplinary partnerships, and sustainable healthcare solutions, the program aims to increase maternal RSV immunization access, reduce disparities, and improve protection for newborns across the United States.