FAQs

Ask your doctor if AREXVY is right for you.

Questions to ask your Doctor

  • As someone aged 60 years or older, should I be concerned about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?
  • How could RSV impact me if I have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or chronic heart failure (CHF)?
  • Should I get vaccinated for RSV?
  • Is vaccination with AREXVY right for me?
  • How effective is vaccination with AREXVY?
  • What are the side effects of AREXVY?
  • When and where can I get vaccinated with AREXVY?

AREXVY FAQs

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AREXVY is a vaccine for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by respiratory syncytial virus in people 60 years of age and older.1

In a clinical study, AREXVY was:

  • Over 82% EFFECTIVE in preventing lower respiratory disease from RSV in people aged 60 years and older2

    Overall efficacy in people ≥ 60 years old (n=12466): 82.6% (96.95% Confidence Interval: 57.9 to 94.1)

  • Over 94% EFFECTIVE in preventing lower respiratory disease from RSV in people aged 60 years and older with asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic heart failure (CHF), advanced liver or kidney disease, or any chronic respiratory/pulmonary disease2

    Efficacy in participants with ≥1 comorbidity of interest (n=4937): 94.6% (95% Confidence Interval: 65.9 to 99.9)

AREXVY is available for people aged 60 and older.1

AREXVY is a single-dose intramuscular injection (or "shot") given preferably in the upper arm.1

The most common side effects of AREXVY are:1,2

  • Injection site pain
  • Tiredness
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Joint pain

Have more questions about the vaccine? ABOUT AREXVY

RSV FAQs

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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.4,5

People aged 60 years and older, including those with certain underlying conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic heart failure (CHF), have a greater risk for developing a severe infection from RSV. In fact, some severe RSV infections may even lead to hospitalisation.2-6

RSV is a contagious virus. The body's immune system typically weakens with older age and has a harder time fighting off infections, such as those from RSV. If you are aged 60 years or older or have certain health conditions, you may be at risk for severe infections from RSV.3-5,7 Ask your doctor about your risk.

The seasonality of RSV can vary. But for the majority of New Zealand, RSV cases typically tend to start in Autumn and peak in the winter months.8-11

Have more questions about the virus? ABOUT RSV

Ask your doctor about AREXVY

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:1

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. GlaxoSmithKline New Zealand. AREXVY Data Sheet. GSK NZ; 2024. Available at https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/a/Arexvyinj.pdf (Last accessed June 2024)
  2. Papi A;N Engl J Med;2023;388;595-608
  3. CDC;2022;1-2;RSV in Older Adults and Adults with Chronic Medical Conditions
  4. Walsh EE;Clinics in chest medicine;2017;38;29-36
  5. Mesa-Frias, M;J Manag Care Spec Phar;2022;1-13
  6. Savic M;Influenza Other Respi Viruses;2022;1-10
  7. Kaler J;Cureus;2023;15;1-17
  8. Rose EB;MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep;2018;67:71-76
  9. ESR;2023;1-37;RECOMMENDATION FOR SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINE COMPOSITION FOR NEW ZEALAND FOR 2024.
  10. ESR;2022;2022 ACUTE RESPIRATORY ILLNESS SURVEILLANCE REPORT
  11. Obando-Pacheco P;The Journal of Infectious Diseases;2018;217;1356-1364

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.