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Vaccine for RSV

Arexvy

New Zealand residents only

As people reach older age, the immune system may weaken, and the body can have a more difficult time defending against infections.1-4 If you’re over 60 you might not realise you’re more at risk of serious illness from Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV.4

 

What is RSV?

RSV is a contagious respiratory virus that typically causes mild symptoms. However, RSV infections can be severe and lead to worsening of underlying diseases for certain people.1-3,5

Like other respiratory infections, RSV can spread from person to person in several ways:2

  • Coughs and sneezes
  • Contact with someone who is sick with the virus
  • Touching your face after having contact with a surface containing the virus

 

 

Who’s most at risk from severe infection?

RSV can be serious for those aged 60 years and older, and especially if you have underlying health conditions such as;1,6,9,10

  • Asthma
  • Diabetes
  • COPD
  • CHF (Chronic Heart Failure)

 

What are RSV symptoms?

People infected with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days. However, people with weakened immune systems can continue to spread the virus even after they stop showing symptoms, for as long as 4 weeks.11

Symptoms of lung and lower airway infection from RSV may include:2

  • Nasal congestion
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing

If these symptoms persist it can lead to pneumonia, hospitalisation and even death.2

 

Help to Protect against RSV

The seasonality of RSV can vary. But for the majority of New Zealand RSV cases start in autumn and peak in winter from late June to mid-August. So, during this time it’s important to take action to help protect yourself against RSV.7

 

 

Arexvy vaccine to protect against RSV

There’s a vaccine that can help to protect you against RSV if you’re 60 plus, it’s called Arexvy.5,6 It’s a new vaccine that’s proven to be 82% effective in preventing lower respiratory disease from RSV.6* And if you have an underlying health condition –such as those with asthma, COPD or diabetes – it’s 94% effective.6** Vaccination with AREXVY may not result in protection of all vaccine recipients.6

Just like many vaccines there are common side effects that can be associated with getting AREXVY. Make sure you talk to your doctor first to find out if AREXVY is right for you.6

It’s important to protect yourself with Arexvy before the start of the winter season. You can get your Arexvy vaccination at the same time as your inactivated unadjuvanted seasonal flu vaccine.6

 

Ask your doctor if Arexvy, the vaccine for RSV, is right for you.
And get it at the same time as your flu shot.6 ^

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Consumer Infomation

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION6: You should not be given AREXVY if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. The most common side effects are injection site pain, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and joint pain. Vaccination with AREXVY may not result in protection of all vaccine recipients. Ask your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of AREXVY. Only a healthcare provider can decide if AREXVY is right for you.

1. CDC;2022;1-2;RSV in Older Adults and Adults with Chronic Medical Conditions
2. Walsh EE;Clinics in chest medicine;2017;38;29-36
3. Kaler J;Cureus;2023;15;1-17
4. Mesa-Frias, M;J Manag Care Spec Phar;2022;1-13
5. GSK;2023;1-9;US FDA approves GSK’s Arexvy
6. GlaxoSmithKline New Zealand. AREXVY Data Sheet. GSK NZ; 2024. Available at https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/a/Arexvyinj.pdf (Last Accessed May 2024)
7. ESR;2023;1-37;RECOMMENDATION FOR SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINE COMPOSITION FOR NEW ZEALAND FOR 2024
8. GlaxoSmithKline New Zealand. AREXVY Consumer Medicine Information (CMI). GSK NZ; 2024. Available at https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/a/Arexvy.pdf
9. Papi A;N Engl J Med;2023;388;595-608 10. Branche AR;Clin Infect Dis;2022;74;1004-1011 11. Schweitzer JW;NCBI Bookshelf;2022;1-6

* Overall efficacy in people ≥ 60 years old (n=12466): 82.6% (96.95% CI: 57.9 to 94.1)
** Efficacy in participants with ≥1 comorbidity of interest (n=4937): 94.6% (95% CI: 65.9 to 99.9)
^ Inactivated unadjuvanted influenza vaccine

AREXVY (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine, Adjuvanted) is indicated for active immunisation for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by respiratory syncytial virus RSV-A and RSV-B subtypes in adults 60 years of age and older. AREXVY is a prescription medicine; it is not funded and charges will apply. A single dose (0.5 mL) contains 120 micrograms of RSVPreF3 antigen adjuvanted with AS01E, composed of the plant extract Quillaja saponaria Molina, fraction 21 (QS-21) (25 micrograms) and 3-O-desacyl-4′-monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) from Salmonella minnesota (25 micrograms). AREXVY should not be administered if you are hypersensitive to any component of this vaccine. AREXVY has risks and benefits – ask your doctor if AREXVY is right for you. Use strictly as directed. Side effects include: joint pain, injection site reactions including pain, swelling and redness, headache, runny nose, fatigue, fever and chills. This is not a full list. Vaccination with AREXVY may not fully protect all vaccine recipients. If you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional. Normal doctor’s charges apply. Additional product information and Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is available at www.medsafe.govt.nz. Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies. ©2024 GSK group of companies or its licensor. Marketed by GlaxoSmithKline NZ Ltd, Auckland. Adverse events involving GlaxoSmithKline products should be reported to GSK Medical Information on 0800 808 500. TAPS NP21240 PM-NZ-RSA-EDTL-240004 Date of Approval: 06 2024 Date of Expiry: 06 2025.

Any information provided on this website should be discussed with a healthcare professional and does not replace a healthcare professional’s advice.

*COPD is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, CHF is chronic heart failure.

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