About RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is common and contagious.1,2

What is RSV?

RSV is a respiratory virus that typically causes mild symptoms. However, RSV infections can be severe and lead to worsening of underlying diseases for certain people.2,3

Who may be at risk for RSV-related infections?

RSV can be serious for those aged 60 years and older, including those with:1-3

  • Asthma
  • Diabetes
  • COPD
  • CHF

CHF=chronic heart failure; COPD=chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

What are the symptoms of RSV?

RSV symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Most RSV infections last a week or two. Older people have an increased risk for severe symptoms.2-4

Symptoms of lung and lower airway infection from RSV may include:3

  • Nasal Congestion
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing

Get questions to ask your doctor about AREXVY FAQs

How do you get RSV?

How does RSV spread?

Like other respiratory infections, RSV can spread from person to person in several ways. RSV can spread through:3

Coughs or sneezes

Coughs or sneezes

Contact with someone

Direct contact with someone who is sick with the virus.

Touching your face

Touching your face after having contact with a surface containing the virus

How long are you contagious when you have RSV?

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.5

When is RSV season?

The seasonality of RSV can vary. But for the majority of New Zealand RSV, cases starts in autumn and peaks in winter from late June to mid-August.6

Are there ways to help protect against RSV?

Here are some ways to help protect yourself6
Wash hands

Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water

Avoid touching your face

Avoid touching your face

Sneeze or cough

Sneeze of cough into a tissue

Clean surfaces

Clean commonly touched surfaces frequently

Avoid contact with sick people

Avoid contact with sick people

Stay home

Stay home when you are sick

RSV vaccine

If you're 60 or older, ask your doctor about vaccinating against RSV1,7

Get questions to ask your doctor about AREXVY FAQs

Ask your doctor about

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:8

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.

References:
  1. Papi A;N Engl J Med;2023;388;595-608
  2. Mesa-Frias, M;J Manag Care Spec Phar;2022;1-13
  3. Walsh EE;Clinics in chest medicine;2017;38;29-36
  4. Branche AR;Clin Infect Dis;2022;74;1004-1011
  5. Schweitzer JW;NCBI Bookshelf;2022;1-6
  6. CDC;2022;1-2;RSV in Older Adults and Adults with Chronic Medical Conditions
  7. CDC;2023;1-1;CDC Recommends RSV Vaccine For Older Adults
  8. 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)

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.

This website is intended for residents of New Zealand only.

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