A new vaccine called Arexvy is available for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV; covering RSV-A and RSV-B subtypes).

The Arexvy Vaccine is available to adults aged 60 years and over who are at a higher risk of severe RSV. These higher risks include:

  • people with chronic medical conditions including: respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, haematological conditions, diabetes, or liver or kidney disorders
  • people with moderate or severe immune compromise
  • people who are frail
  • people aged over 80 years**
  • people living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
  • older people of Maori and Pacific ethnicity, especially if living in areas of high deprivation.

**The risk of severe RSV among adults increases with age, with the highest rates of hospitalisation among those aged 75 years and older. Although age may be considered in determining an older adult patient’s risk for severe RSV-associated disease, there is no specific age threshold at which RSV vaccination is universally recommended within the age group of adults ages 60 years and older.

This vaccine is a one dose course administered via intramuscular injection.  Evidence suggests that it will provide protection for at least two RSV seasons so no booster is recommended, or available, at this stage.

The Arexvy vaccine is not funded.  There is an introductory offer available between 1 May 2024 – 31 December 2024, whereby the fee incurred for the RSV vaccine will be $425.00 plus an Injection administration fee of $20.00.   From 1 January 2025 the RSV Vaccine fee will increase to $475.00.

For Enrolled OneHealth patients please email nurse@onehealthgp.co.nz so your eligibility, for the Arexvy vaccine, can be checked and confirmed. Once approved you will need to prepay for the vaccine, so we can proceed with the order, as we will not be holding these vaccines in stock.  A nurse appointment can then be arranged for the administration of the vaccine.

For Casual patients, who are not enrolled at another practice, please email info@onehealthgp.co.nz for assistance.

For more information, on the Arexvy Vaccine, refer to the following website:  www.AREXVY.co.nz