23/04/2024
There is a new vaccine for the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and we want you to be the first to know.
Key points:
Available only to 60+ years.
Not currently government funded.
May be given at any time, but most benefit before winter.
Reduced risk of infection. Studies in those over 60 yrs show an 83% reduced risk of RSV associated chest infection and 94% reduced risk of severe RSV-associated chest infection through a single RSV season at 10 months follow-up. In the second year, the risk of infection was reduced by 67%.
Only one dose is recommended at present. The need for revaccination is being studied and may be recommended for ongoing high-level protection.
Risk of a severe RSV infection increases with age and with some chronic medical conditions (such as emphysema, diabetes and asthma see details below).
The cost is $340.
If you wish to have this vaccine, click here to nominate your interest: https://yourgp.group/RSV-Vaccine
Once the vaccine order is confirmed, we will contact you for pre-payment and arrange your appointment. You can have your Covid-19 or flu vaccine at the same time if you wish.
About RSV.
RSV can cause repeated infections throughout life as infection does not give long lasting immunity.
The RSV disease can cause a more severe infection and with potential need for hospitalisation in young children and those over 50 years.
In adults, RSV usually causes upper respiratory tract infection symptoms, such as cough, sore throat and nasal congestion. Wheezing, earache and sinus pain occur more commonly with RSV infection than with other viruses. Lower respiratory tract infection can also cause wheezing and breathing difficulty.
Infection with RSV may allow an opportunistic bacterial secondary infection. Around 30% of hospitalised patients infected with RSV also have bacterial co-infection.
Who is at most risk of having severe RSV?
Risk increases with age. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends everyone 75+ years receive the vaccine.
ATAGI recognises those with the chronic medication conditions are at greater risk:
- Heart disease
- Respiratory conditions including COPD, emphysema, severe asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis
- Immunocompromise
- Diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease
- Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, those with spinal cord injuries or neuromuscular disorders.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults have an increased risk of severe disease and hospitalisation due to RSV.
Side effects were most commonly injection site pain or swelling, fatigue, muscle aches and headaches. There were no serious adverse events compared to placebo.
Vaccine name?
TGA rules prevent us from giving the name of the vaccine in this email, we are only permitted to give you the name during individual consultations. We can only refer to it as an RSV vaccine. However, you can find the name and more details here in this ATAGI advice. There is only one RSV vaccine available for 60+ years at present.
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-02/atagi-statement-on-the-clinical-use-of-arexvy-rsv-pre-f3-vaccine-for-rsv.pdf
If you have more general questions, post your question in a comment this post and a GP will answer below.
