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). RSV season usually begins in October in the U.S., and people should get their shot before it starts. It is safe to get at the same time as a flu shot.
It is not yet known if Arexvy will need to be given every year, like the flu shot. RSV does not mutate in the same way as influenza and SARS-CoV-2 do, so there shouldn’t be a need to update the vaccine or re-dose people every year, but more research is needed. Clinical trials reported protection for two RSV seasons, so it may only need to be given every two years.
Arexvy is approved for the prevention of LRTD caused by RSV in adults aged:
- 60 years of age and older
- 50 through 59 years of age who are at increased risk for LRTD caused by RSV because of chronic medical conditions such as chronic pulmonary disease, chronic cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney or liver disease.
References
- Arexvy FDA Package Insert. June 2024. https://www.fda.gov/media/167805/download
Read next
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
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. 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)
