A vaccine called Arexvy has received approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for use in Australians aged 60 and over. Arexvy is a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, aimed at combating a highly infectious respiratory disease that can affect individuals of all ages. While RSV is typically associated with young children, more than 25,000 older Australians were diagnosed with the disease last year.
According to Brisbane GP Anita Sharma, older patients often experience a decline in their immunity as they age, making it difficult for them to mount a strong immune response when exposed to the virus. RSV is highly contagious and can cause mild to moderate illness, including symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever, and aches. However, individuals with compromised immunity or underlying conditions like diabetes can experience more severe symptoms, leading to hospitalization or intensive care.
Arexvy, a protein-based vaccine, aims to enhance the immune response in vulnerable patients, reducing the likelihood of serious outcomes from RSV infections. The drug was initially approved for use against RSV in the United States in May 2023 before gaining official approval from the TGA as Australia’s first RSV vaccine. While more details about the supply and cost are expected to be provided, this approval marks an important step towards administering Arexvy to individuals aged 60 and over.
The Immunisation Foundation of Australia emphasized the significance of older Australians having access to vaccines that protect against severe illness. The announcement of an RSV vaccine is a success story for medical research, stated Catherine Hughes, one of the foundation’s directors.
According to the federal government’s national notifiable disease surveillance system, there were 127,944 confirmed cases of RSV in Australia in 2023. Of these, over 64,000 cases were children under the age of five, while individuals aged 60 and over accounted for 27,440 cases.
The approval of Arexvy provides hope for older Australians in the fight against RSV. With the vaccine’s ability to enhance the immune response and reduce serious outcomes, it could significantly improve the well-being of individuals in this age group, protecting them from the potentially severe consequences of RSV infections.
This latest development in the battle against RSV highlights the importance of ongoing medical research and the continuous efforts to provide accessible and effective vaccines to protect all age groups, safeguarding the health of the community.
