Abrysvo (Recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Virus Pre-Fusion F Protein)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Abrysvo Used For?
Abrysvo is a vaccine that helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus that can cause serious breathing problems in infants and older adults.
Primary Uses
Abrysvo prevents disease of the respiratory tract (airways and lungs) caused by RSV. It is given to pregnant individuals to protect their infants from birth through 6 months of age, or to individuals 60 years of age or older. RSV typically causes mild cold-like symptoms but can lead to serious lung problems like bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants, and can worsen existing conditions like COPD and heart failure in older adults.
How It Works
Abrysvo contains proteins from both subgroups (A and B) of RSV. It works by preparing your body’s immune system to fight RSV infection before you are exposed to the virus, helping your body recognize and defend against it.
Good to know: Like any vaccine, Abrysvo may not fully protect all those who receive it, but it significantly reduces the risk of serious RSV disease.
How to Take Abrysvo
Abrysvo is given as a single injection by a trained healthcare professional in a medical setting.
Dosage Instructions
For pregnant individuals: One single dose is given between 24-36 weeks of pregnancy (late second or third trimester). For adults 60 years or older: One single dose is given. The vaccine is injected into the muscle of your upper arm. If given with other vaccines, different injection sites will be used.
Important: Overdose is unlikely as Abrysvo comes in a single-dose presentation and is given by trained healthcare professionals.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Pain, redness or swelling at injection site
- Muscle pain
- Headaches
- Mild tingling in fingers or toes
- Swollen lymph nodes (lumps under skin in neck, armpits, or groin)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, shortness of breath)
- Guillain-Barré syndrome (tingling or weakness starting in legs and spreading up body)
- Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
- Difficulty with facial movements, speaking, chewing, or swallowing
- Double vision or inability to move eyes
- Severe pain (aches, shooting pain, or cramps, worse at night)
- Difficulty breathing when lying flat
- Painful lumps under skin with fever, sore throat, or weight loss
- Rapid heart rate
- Low or high blood pressure
Important Warnings
Before receiving Abrysvo, tell your healthcare provider about your medical history and any allergies you may have.
Who Should Not Take Abrysvo
Do not receive Abrysvo if you are allergic to Abrysvo or any of its ingredients. Those under 18 years of age or pregnant individuals less than 24 weeks pregnant should not receive this vaccine.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your healthcare provider if you have: any other medical conditions, bleeding problems or bruise easily, an infection with high fever (vaccination may be postponed), anxiety or history of fainting with needle injections, a weakened immune system, or if you take any other medicines including vitamins or supplements.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnant individuals can receive this vaccine in the late second or third trimester (weeks 24-36). It is unknown whether Abrysvo passes into breast milk, but no side effects have been shown in breastfed newborns of vaccinated mothers. Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
Drug Interactions
Tell your healthcare professional about all medicines you are taking and any vaccines you have recently received or plan to receive.
- Other vaccines (can be given at the same time but at different injection sites)
- All prescription medicines
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Vitamins and supplements
Alcohol & Driving
Abrysvo is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Abrysvo is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or use machines. However, if you experience any side effects that make you feel unwell, avoid driving until you feel better.
Storage
Abrysvo will normally be stored at your doctor’s office or pharmacy. If you need to store it, keep the carton in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C in the original package. Do not freeze – discard if the carton has been frozen. Keep away from children.
Overdose Information
Overdose is unlikely since Abrysvo is available in a single-dose presentation and is given by trained healthcare professionals. Your healthcare provider will dispose of any unused vaccine properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
For pregnant individuals, Abrysvo provides protection to infants from birth through 6 months of age. For adults 60 and older, the duration of protection is being studied as this is a new vaccine.
Yes, Abrysvo can be given at the same time as other vaccines, but they will be administered at different injection sites. Tell your healthcare provider about any vaccines you have recently received or plan to receive.
Common side effects like pain at the injection site, muscle pain, and headaches can be discussed with your doctor if they worry you. Seek immediate medical attention for serious side effects like allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, or signs of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Yes, Abrysvo is specifically designed to be given to pregnant individuals between 24-36 weeks of pregnancy to protect their infants from RSV. However, it should not be given before 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Abrysvo is subject to additional monitoring as it is a new vaccine. Reporting side effects helps identify new safety information quickly. You can report side effects to your doctor or directly at www.tga.gov.au/safety/reporting-problems.
RSV is a common virus that usually causes mild cold-like symptoms. However, it can cause serious lung problems like bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants, and can worsen existing conditions like COPD and heart failure in older adults, sometimes requiring hospitalization.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.