Age Requirements for Arexvy (RSV Vaccine)
Arexvy (RSVPreF3 OA) is approved and recommended for adults 60 years of age and older. 1
Indications and Age-Specific Recommendations
- Arexvy is one of three RSV vaccines currently approved for adults 60 years and older, along with RSVpreF (Abrysvo) from Pfizer and mRESVIA (mRNA-1345) 1
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) specifically recommends that adults 60 years of age and older who are at increased risk of severe RSV infection should receive a single dose of RSV vaccine 1
- ACIP also particularly emphasizes that all adults 75 years of age and older should receive an RSV vaccine 1
- While Arexvy is indicated for adults aged ≥60 years, cost-effectiveness studies suggest it may be more cost-effective in older age groups (≥65 years) compared to adults aged 60-65 years 2
Clinical Rationale for Age Recommendation
- Older adults (>60 years of age) are at increased risk for serious complications of RSV such as respiratory failure and pneumonia, with mortality rates ranging between 2% and 5% 1
- A recent study found that adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have 30% higher risk of hospitalization due to RSV compared with non-IBD control subjects 1
- Clinical trials have demonstrated that Arexvy is safe and efficacious at preventing RSV in older adults in the general population 1
Comparison with Other RSV Vaccines
- There is no preference stated by guidelines for any of the available RSV vaccines (Arexvy, Abrysvo, or mRESVIA) for adults 60 years and older 1
- Unlike Abrysvo, Arexvy is not indicated for maternal vaccination during pregnancy 3
- Abrysvo is recommended for pregnant individuals at 32 to 36 weeks' gestation to protect infants under 6 months from RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infections 1
Important Considerations
- The vaccine is administered as a single dose for adults 60 years and older 3
- Vaccination decisions for adults aged 60 years and older should involve shared clinical decision-making, considering individual risk factors 2
- Cost-effectiveness analyses show that RSV vaccination becomes more cost-effective as the age of those vaccinated increases 2
Common Pitfalls
- Do not confuse Arexvy (for adults ≥60 years) with nirsevimab, which is used for RSV prophylaxis in infants 3
- Patients with certain immunocompromising conditions may have a higher priority for vaccination due to increased risk of severe RSV disease 1
- There is no evidence supporting the use of Arexvy in individuals younger than 60 years of age based on current guidelines and FDA approval 1, 3