This winter, The Brook Surgery is proud to offer a pair of vaccines recently launched to help in preventing severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Arexvy® and Abrysvo® are new vaccines giving older & vulnerable adults a powerful new defence against this common, highly contagious yet potentially deadly virus. The NHS have introduced RSV vaccination but limited it to patients 75-79 years only, meaning that compared to other developed countries large numbers of ‘at risk’ patients are missing out on protection.
- What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and why is it a concern?
-
- RSV is a highly contagious virus that can easily spread by touching a contaminated surface. The virus can also spread if an infected person coughs or sneezes and their droplets contact another person’s eyes, nose, or mouth.
-
- RSV can start mild, like a cold, with symptoms like congestion, runny nose, sore throat, fever, and cough. But can quickly become serious and lead to wheezing, shortness of breath, and other more profound consequences including pneumonia.
What are RSV vaccines?
Arexvy® and Abrysvo® are two new vaccines designed to help protect adults aged 60 and older against RSV. It is a very contagious respiratory virus that can cause lower respiratory tract infections affecting the lungs and breathing.
Who should get the RSV vaccine?
- Older adults aged 60+
- Patients with chronic lung conditions like COPD, Asthma, or other pulmonary diseases.
- Patients with diabetes, chronic heart failure, or advanced liver/kidney disease
- Individuals with weakened or suppressed immune systems.
- Heart disease patients at risk of complications from viral illness
- Pregnant women between 28 weeks to 36 weeks (only Abrysvo® licensed)
RSV can also cause a serious lung infection (pneumonia) in babies and older adults.
By vaccinating older adults against RSV disease, these vaccines have been shown to prevent respiratory infections and related hospitalizations/deaths in this high risk age group. It provides targeted protection against a very common virus that can hit the elderly especially hard.
How effective is vaccination with these Vaccines?
Two licensed RSV vaccines, Arexvy® and Abrysvo®, have demonstrated high success in preventing severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in older adults:
- For adults aged 60 and over, vaccine effectiveness ranged from 65% to 94%, depending on the specific vaccine and population studied.
- Effectiveness was particularly high in preventing RSV from progressing to pneumonia. It also protects adults with high-risk chronic conditions.
The vaccines appear to provide protection for at least two years, with current evidence suggesting they may be administered biennially.
What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Arexvy® and Abrysvo®?
While generally well-tolerated, the most frequently reported mild side effects from the vaccines can include:
- Pain, tenderness or swelling at the injection site
- Feelings of fatigue or tiredness
- Muscle aches and pains
- Headaches
- Joint pain or stiffness
While flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccines have been used for years, RSV vaccines an important need in preventing severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in older adults and infants.
The Brook Surgery is proud to offer the RSV vaccination to our patients.
If you are 60 or older, and especially if you are in one of the at-risk groups listed above, Contact us today on 020 7435 0211 to book a consultation. Our team would be more than happy to discuss whether RSV vaccine is right for you and help you take this important step in safeguarding your respiratory health.
The vaccine is £205.40 and can be given in a consultation with your doctor or by Honey our health care assistant (£50).
