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Arexvy® vaccine

Key points about Arexvy

The Arexvy® vaccine protects against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection.
It’s for people who are 60 years of age and older and isn’t funded in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Arexvy is given as a single dose injected into your upper arm.
Find out about Arexvy and possible side effects.

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The Arexvy® vaccine protects people 60 years of age and older against getting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is:

very common in the winter and spring months in Aotearoa New Zealand
a virus that causes infections of the respiratory tract (lungs), eg, bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
highly contagious and is spread through droplets from a sneeze or cough.

Read more about RSV.

One dose of the Arexvy vaccine is 80% effective against getting the RSV infection and 94% effective against severe illness from RSV infection.

Arexvy isn't funded by the government. Prices are expected to be $350 or more but will vary, so it's best to check the cost with your healthcare provider before you get vaccinated.

Older adults are at greater risk for serious complications from RSV because our immune system gets weaker as we get older.

RSV infection can make some long term conditions worse, eg, asthma, COPD or heart disease.

You're at a higher risk of having severe disease from RSV if you're over 60 years of age and are:

of Māori or Pacific ethnicity and living in high deprivation/lower socioeconomic areas
frail
immunocompromised
live in residential care or a nursing home.

OR if you have any of these conditions:

Asthma.
Diabetes.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Congestive heart failure.
Liver or kidney problems.

If you're vaccinated, and in a high-risk group, you will be less likely to have serious illness from RSV. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether Arexvy is recommended for you.

Arexvy is given as an intramuscular injection (injected into the muscle of your upper arm). One injection is expected to provide protection for at least 2 seasons of RSV. It isn’t yet known whether another dose will be needed after this time.

The benefits are greatest when Arexvy is given just before the usual RSV season. In Aotearoa New Zealand, RSV season goes from April to August every year.

If you have a minor illness (eg, a cold) you can still get an RSV vaccine.

Even if you’ve had RSV infection in the past, the vaccine can help prevent future respiratory disease from RSV.

There isn't a specific amount of time you need to wait after having a RSV infection before you can receive Arexvy, but you must:

have recovered enough
not have a fever, and
feel better.

Arexvy shouldn't be given to anyone who:

has had a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis to a previous dose of this vaccine, or a component of the vaccine – information about Arexvy can be found in the consumer medicine information(external link)
currently has RSV.

People with minor illnesses (eg, a cold) can be vaccinated but if you have a fever over 38°C you should wait. Your healthcare provider can advise you on when to have it.

If you have a bleeding disorder (eg, haemophilia or thrombocytopenia) intramuscular injections must be given cautiously, so check with your doctor if you're in this group.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, Arexvy isn't licensed for use if you're pregnant.

From 1 May 2024, Arexvy can only be given by your nurse, doctor or healthcare provider but this may change. If you want to receive the RSV vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider about whether Arexvy is recommended for you.

Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Side effects	What should I do?
Headache Feeling unwell, tired or weak Muscle aches Fever Shivering Pain in the joints	These are very common after receiving the vaccine. They usually settle within a few days. Rest and drink plenty of liquids. The routine use of paracetamol isn't recommended after vaccinations, but may be used if you're feeling unwell. Tell your doctor if these side effects bother you.
Pain and redness at the injection site	This is common after having the vaccination. It usually starts a few hours after getting the injection and settles within a few days. Place a cold, wet cloth or ice pack where the injection was given. Leave it on for a short time. Don't rub the injection site. Tell your doctor if it's a problem. Read more about what happens after your immunisation.(external link)
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, blisters, peeling skin, swelling of the face, lips or mouth, or problems breathing	Allergic reaction to the vaccine is rare. If you develops these signs within a few hours or days of the vaccination, call an ambulance or immediately go to the nearest hospital and tell them you've had an Arexvy vaccination.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Immunisation for adults
Who gives vaccinations and where can I find them?

The following links have more information on RSV vaccines. Please note that some of these resources are from overseas and the support and services information will be different to those used in New Zealand.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus(external link) The Immunisation Advisory Centre, NZ
RSV and me(external link) NZ