Is Arexvy a live vaccine?
Arexvy is not a live vaccine it is a recombinant subunit RSV vaccine that does not contain any live virus. Recombinant vaccines are made by taking a small piece of DNA that codes for a specific protein (called an antigen) on the virus (in this case the respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]) and inserted into bacteria or yeast cells in a laboratory to manufacture the vaccine.
The vaccine helps your body's immune system make proteins called antibodies against the virus. These antibodies will help prevent infection by attacking the virus if it ever infects your body.
References
- Arexvy Product Information. June 2024. https://www.fda.gov/media/167805/download
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What is the difference between Arexvy and Abrysvo?
Arexvy and Abrysvo are both RSV vaccines that are approved for use in adults over the age of 60 to reduce their risk of developing lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD). Arexvy is also approved for adults aged 50 through 59 years with certain chronic medical conditions (such as chronic pulmonary disease, chronic cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney or liver disease) that put them at increased risk of LRTD caused by RSV. Abrysvo is also approved for use in pregnant women between 32 through 36 weeks gestation, to protect infants against LRTD from the moment they are born until they are 6 months of age. Arexvy is made by GSK and was approved on May 3, 2023; the first RSV vaccine to be approved for older adults. Abrysvo is made by Pfizer and was approved on May 31, 2023; the second RSV vaccine to be approved for older adults. Continue reading
What are the symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?
RSV symptoms are runny nose, sore throat, stuffy nose, cough
wheezing, headache, and fever for adults and RSV symptoms in the young include decreased activity, irritability, and breathing difficulties. Continue reading
How many doses of Arexvy are required?
Just one shot of Arexvy into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm is needed to protect older adults against lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Continue reading
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Drug information
- Arexvy Information for Consumers
- Arexvy prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Arexvy (detailed)
Related support groups
- Arexvy (6 questions, 3 members)
- Vaccination and Prophlaxis (13 questions, 4 members)
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (9 questions, 5 members)
