Adjuvanted Vaccine to Prevent Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Adults Ages 60 Years and Older

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a prevalent cause of acute lower respiratory tract illness that disproportionately affects older adults, young children, and infants, which can lead to hospitalizations and death. The health impact on the elderly and infants accentuates the need for effective preventive strategies. Arexvy is the first approved vaccine to prevent lower respiratory tract illness caused by RSV in older adults ages 60 and older. It contains recombinant respiratory syncytial virus glycoprotein F stabilized in the prefusion conformation. Arexvy offers approximately 83% protection in adults and appears to maintain effectiveness for up to two RSV seasons. The vaccine was generally well tolerated in clinical trials, with the most frequently observed and reported adverse events being mild to moderate injection site pain, fatigue, myalgia, headache, and arthralgia. This article includes a description of Arexvy, the target population, contraindications, side effects, and clinical implications when considering the use of this vaccine.