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.1-3,14
Who may be at risk for RSV?
RSV disease can be serious for those aged 60 years and older, including those with:1,3-6
Asthma
Diabetes
COPD
CHF
COPD = chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; CHF = chronic heart failure
What are the symptoms of RSV?
Symptoms are mild and self-resolving in most cases with symptoms usually resolving in one to two weeks.6 However, older people have an increased risk for severe symptoms.1,3,7,8
Symptoms of lung and lower airway infection from RSV may include:6
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
Potential severe outcomes in people with underlying health conditions:
- Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)9
- Exacerbation of certain health conditions (COPD and Asthma)7-10
- Hospitalisation7-10
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:2
Coughs or sneezes
Direct contact with someone who is sick with the virus
Touching your face after having contact with a surface containing the virus
How long are you contagious when you have RSV?
Most people with RSV are 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
When is RSV season?
The seasonality of RSV can vary. In New Zealand, RSV cases typically start rising in autumn and peak in winter.13,15-17
How to help protect yourself against RSV
Here are some ways to help protect yourself or a loved one.12
Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
Avoid touching your face
Sneeze or cough into a tissue
Clean commonly touched surfaces frequently
Avoid contact with sick people
Stay home when you are sick
Vaccination if you’re over 50 years old and at increased risk for RSV disease5
…a discussion guide and ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacy about AREXVY and if it’s right for you.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:5,14
You should not be given AREXVY if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Side effects: headache, muscle pain, joint pain, tiredness and pain at the injection site. This is not a full list. 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. Mesa-Frias, M;J Manag Care Spec Phar;2022;1-13. 2. CDC;2023;RSV Transmission. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/causes/index.html (Last Accessed February 2026). 3. Walsh EE;Clinics in chest medicine; 2017; 38;29-36. 4. Papi A;N Engl J Med;2023;388;595-608. 5. GlaxoSmithKline New Zealand. AREXVY Data Sheet. GSK NZ; 2025. Available at https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/a/Arexvyinj.pdf (Last accessed February 2026). 6. Kenmoe S, Nair H. et al., Curr Opin Infect Dis. 2024 Apr 1;37(2):129-136. 7. Branche AR;Clin Infect Dis;2022;74;1004-1011 8. CDC;2025;1-2;RSV in Adults, https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/adults/index.html (last accessed February 2026). 9. Nguyen-Van-Tam JS, et al. Eur Respir Rev. 2022;31(166):220105. 10. Wyffels V, et al. Adv Ther. 2020;37(3):1203-1217. 11. Schweitzer JW;NCBI Bookshelf;2022;1-6. 12. CDC;2022;1-2;RSV in Older Adults and Adults with Chronic Medical Conditions. 13. Obando-Pacheco P;The Journal of Infectious Diseases;2018;217;1356–1364. 14. GlaxoSmithKline New Zealand. AREXVY Consumer Medicine Information (CMI). GSK NZ; 2025 Available athttps://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/a/Arexvy.pdf (Accessed February 2026). 15. Rose EB;MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep;2018;67:71-76. 16. Immunisation Advisory Centre;2024;1-3; Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) 17. ESR;2022;2022 ACUTE RESPIRATORY ILLNESS SURVEILLANCE REPORT.
VACCINATION MAY NOT PROTECT ALL RECIPIENTS5
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, and in adults 50 through 59 years of age who are at increased risk of RSV disease. 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 allergic 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. ©2026 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.