AREXVY (GSK) is a vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) which has been approved in Australia by the TGA for individuals 60 years and older for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV. GSK is working to ensure national distribution of the vaccine across Australia. The vaccine will be administered by healthcare professionals in various locations, such as clinics, general practices, and health centres. AREXVY will soon be made available nationally, on private prescription.

AREXVY is the first RSV vaccine to be approved by the TGA, and is a recombinant subunit vaccine that does not contain any live virus., 

RSV is a common and contagious respiratory virus that can cause cold- and flu-like symptoms in adults. RSV infections typically peak during autumn and winter in temperate climates in Australia, alongside other respiratory viruses, however, RSV can be caught at any point throughout the year.

RSV is often considered as an illness that mainly affects children, and in some cases, RSV may be a mild infection. However RSV can also cause serious illness and in rare cases, even death, in older adults. Older adults with certain chronic medical conditions, including asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure have a greater risk of being hospitalised from RSV compared with those without these conditions.

Symptoms of RSV in adults are often similar to other acute respiratory infections, like colds or influenza, and can include a blocked nose, cough, fatigue, fever, sore throat, runny nose, body aches and headache. Cases of RSV were only officially counted in Australia from 2021, so there are still gaps in fully understanding how common the disease is and what impact it has on the Australian population.

Here is a link to the GSK media release for further information.

This news item was issued on 19 January 2024 by Jill Smith, CEO of ASCIA, the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand.