II. Indications

  1. See Palivizumab (Synagis) for high risk infants
  2. See Nirsevimab for universal Vaccination in infants
  3. Adults age >=60 years
    1. Especially higher risk patients (Diabetes Mellitus, chronic heart disease, COPD, Immunocompromised)
  4. Pregnant Women
    1. CDC recommends Pfizer Bivalent RSVpreF Vaccine (Abrysvo) only
    2. Do NOT use Arexvy in pregnant women (associated with Preterm Labor)
    3. Give single dose at 32 to 36 weeks during RSV season (U.S. Sept to Jan)

III. Contraindications

  1. Children
    1. Other RSV Immunizations are indicated in children (Nirsevimab, Palivizumab)

IV. Background

  1. RSV has long been recognized as a cause of severe respiratory illness in infants (typically october to march)
  2. As Respiratory Panel testing became more common in 2020s, RSV was recognized as important in older adults
    1. Older adults may experience similar rates of morbidity and mortality with RSV as with Influenza
    2. As of 2023, RSV causes 160k hospitalization and 10k deaths yearly in U.S, over age 65 years

V. Dosing: Adults

  1. RSV Vaccine (Abrysvo, Arexvy): 0.5 ml IM for single dose
    1. Only Abrysvo (NOT Arexvy) is FDA approved for use in pregnancy

VI. Efficacy

  1. RSV Vaccine in older adults reduces RSV-related healthcare visits by 85%
  2. RSV Vaccine reduces risk of severe RSV in infants age <6 month (NNT 81)
    1. Kampmann (2023) N Engl J Med 388(16): 1451-64 [PubMed]

VII. Adverse Effects

  1. Common
    1. Fever
    2. Myalgias
  2. Rare serious effects
    1. Guillain Barre Syndrome
      1. Six cases (3 in 18k for GSK Arexvy, 3 in 20k for Pfizer Abrysvo) per package inserts (see below)
      2. Helgeson (2018) Indian J Crit Care Med 22(4):309-10 +PMID: 29743773 [PubMed]

IX. References

  1. (2023) Presc Lett 30(9): 49-50

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