“My Life Was Put on Pause:” What One Grandfather Learned About RSV and How to Help Prevent It

(BPT) – Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common contagious virus affecting the lungs and breathing passages. For most, an RSV infection comes with mild symptoms, like a runny nose, sneezing, or coughing. However, RSV can develop into a lung infection and may lead to hospitalization.Tom, a GSK patient advocate and 70-year-old grandfather who had RSV in 2022, recounted, “My doctor explained that, because of my age, RSV could affect me worse than someone who was younger. I found out the hard way that this is true. My experience with RSV caused me to put my life on hold. I could not do the things I loved to do each day, like take my grandkids to school.”Tom isn’t alone. RSV often spreads during the fall and winter months in most of the U.S. Older adults, including those with certain underlying medical conditions, are at increased risk. RSV causes ~177,000 hospitalizations in U.S. adults 65 and older each year.Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help protect yourself for this fall and winter RSV season, which include:Talking to your doctor or pharmacist about RSV vaccination if you are 60 years or olderWashing your hands often with soap and water for 20+ seconds/using an alcohol-based sanitizerAvoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed handsAvoiding close contact with people who have cold-like symptomsCleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfacesThis is the first RSV season where vaccinations are available. AREXVY (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine, Adjuvanted) is one of the available vaccines for older adults and was the first to be approved by the FDA for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by RSV in those 60 years and older. It is now widely available at all major U.S. retail pharmacies. Patients should ask their doctor or pharmacist if AREXVY is covered by their insurance.What Is AREXVY?AREXVY is an FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by respiratory syncytial virus in people 60 years of age and older.Important Safety Information for AREXVYYou should not receive AREXVY if you are allergic to any of its ingredientsFainting can happen after getting injectable vaccines, including AREXVY. Precautions should be taken to avoid injury due to faintingSome people with weakened immune systems may have reduced immune responses to AREXVYThe most common side effects are injection site pain, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and joint painVaccination with AREXVY may not result in protection of all vaccine recipientsAsk your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of AREXVY. Only a healthcare provider can decide if AREXVY is right for youAREXVY is a single-dose shot that can be given at the same time as a quadrivalent influenza vaccine. The CDC recommends that adults 60 years of age and older may receive a single dose of RSV vaccine, based on a discussion between the healthcare provider and patient. Visit www.AREXVY.com to learn more.Please see full Prescribing Information.Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.©2023 GSK or licensor.RSAADVR230009 September 2023Produced in USA.