Source: Impact PR
Access to World-First RSV Vaccine Would Prevent Thousands of Winter Hospitalisations – Report
A move to fund a world-first respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for Kiwis aged 65 and older would help prevent thousands of hospitalisations and emergency department visits, as well as contribute to large economic gains, particularly in health, volunteer and carer contributions, according to economic modelling.
RSV is a major contributor to health system pressure during winter, along with influenza, COVID and other infections.
A report by independent healthcare economics researchers found that funding RSV vaccinations for people aged 65 and older at a 60% uptake would significantly free up health services, with the number of GP appointments and hospitalisations avoided similar to the reductions currently seen with influenza vaccine uptake in New Zealand. Over four years, 34,986 GP visits, 1,113 ED presentations and 5,395 hospitalisations would be prevented, with a net economic return of $138.5 million.
The researchers found that preventing serious RSV illness would allow older adults to remain more active for longer and continue contributing to their families and communities through volunteering and informal caregiving, contributing an estimated additional 2.2 million volunteer hours and 2.7 million carer hours over four years.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common, highly contagious seasonal virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages, causes repeated infections throughout life and is more serious in infants and older adults.
RSV and influenza infection carry similar risk of hospitalisation and mortality in older adults. Most people experience mild to moderate disease, but for older adults and those with co-morbidities, RSV can result in hospitalisation for severe respiratory tract infections, viral pneumonia and exacerbation of underlying comorbidities.
In a move designed to increase nationwide uptake, newly expanded access will see the vaccine, which is not publicly funded, made available through New Zealand pharmacies ahead of this winter.
The widened access comes as Auckland hospitals prepare for an expected increase in severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases, which reached as high as 121 admissions per week during last year’s winter peak. Data shows RSV is the third most commonly detected virus in Auckland hospitals.
Research shows RSV already carries a significant cost for the health system with adult hospitalisations in Auckland estimated to have an average direct healthcare cost of $4,758 per hospitalisation.
In addition to those aged 60 and over, the vaccine is now also registered for use in adults aged 50 to 59 who are at increased risk of RSV disease. This includes individuals with comorbidities, such as a chronic pulmonary disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma), chronic cardiovascular disease (including chronic heart failure), diabetes types 1 and 2, chronic kidney disease or chronic liver disease.
New Zealand pharmacists can now administer the RSV vaccine to eligible older adults at the same time as the seasonal influenza vaccine, expanding access beyond general practice (GP) clinics and making vaccination more convenient for older people through community pharmacies.
Dr Hasan Bhally, an infectious disease specialist, says RSV infections typically follow a seasonal pattern, generally peaking during winter, but increased global travel and international visitors mean it can circulate year-round.
“The RSV virus is spread by respiratory droplets- coughing, sneezing or environmental contamination and spreads similarly to influenza and COVID-19 by respiratory droplets from direct contact with an infected individual or, from contaminated surfaces – where it can live for up to six hours,” he says.
Māori, Pacific peoples, and those living in low socioeconomic areas also have an increased risk of hospitalisation from the disease.
Dr Bhally is urging at-risk older adults to be vigilant about RSV ahead of winter, as the virus can spread in crowded places or be transmitted from younger children in the home.
“Transmission works both ways with RSV. Sometimes it is the unvaccinated grandparent who infects the child, but we also see cases where the child is the carrier and infects older members of the family. Households with young children and older adults cohabitating need to be particularly cautious.
“One of the groups I am most concerned about is adults aged 65 and over . Older adults under 65 who have heart disease or chronic lung conditions are particularly vulnerable to severe RSV infection.
“Symptoms of RSV, COVID and Influenza show significant overlap, so it is very difficult to differentiate between them without testing. It is important that patients monitor their symptoms and seek immediate medical assistance if they find themselves short of breath, wheezing, feverish or their cough worsens.
“Rapid antigen testing, including self-testing using commercially available respiratory virus kits, allows people to identify infections within minutes. If someone develops respiratory symptoms it is worth getting tested to help prevent the spread to other members of the family or community,” he says.
Pharmacist Din Redzepagic from Zoom Pharmacy says it is important that New Zealand adopts a community-based approach to managing respiratory diseases.
Redzepagic says improving access to medicines and vaccines helps remove practical barriers such as time and cost, with pharmacies offering walk-in services, extended hours, and locations that fit easily into people’s daily routines.
“Pharmacists are often trusted members of the community, and being able to receive vaccinations in a pharmacy setting can make a real difference for older people, those who are immunocompromised, Māori and Pacific, and people in rural areas who may struggle to access a GP,” he says.
Arexvy is the world’s first respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for older adults and has been registered for use in Canada, the US, the UK, the European Union, Japan and New Zealand. The vaccine has also now been funded by the Australian Government for inclusion on their National Immunisation Program, providing free access for all adults aged 75 and older.
Trial data shows Arexvy has an overall efficacy of 82.6% against RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease in adults aged 60 years and older over one RSV season. However, as with other vaccines, the vaccine may not protect all recipients. Side effects which have been reported following Arexvy administration include muscle pain, pain at the injection site and tiredness. The vaccine is now available from New Zealand pharmacies and GP clinics for private purchase. One dose, given prior to or during the peak RSV winter season, is expected to provide protection for up to three years.
References
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41 For adults aged 60 and older (82.6% (96.95% confidence interval, 57.9, 94.1) overall efficacy in protecting against RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease in adults aged 60 years and older during one RSV season; AREXVY (7 cases out of 12,466), placebo (40 cases out of 12,494); median follow-up 6.7 months. )
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43 Medsafe. Arexvy (respiratory syncytial virus glycoprotein, F antigen [recombinant, adjuvanted]) injection datasheet. New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority; https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/a/Arexvyinj.pdf. Accessed 25 April 2026
44 Medsafe. Arexvy (respiratory syncytial virus glycoprotein, F antigen [recombinant, adjuvanted]) injection datasheet. New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority; https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/a/Arexvyinj.pdf. Accessed 25 April 2026
Arexvy.44
Arexvy is contraindicated in anyone with hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any component of the vaccine.
If Arexvy is to be given at the same time as another injectable vaccine, the vaccines should always be administered at different injection sites.
Patients receiving immunosuppressive treatment or patients with immunodeficiency may have a reduced immune response to Arexvy.
Adverse reactions: headache, myalgia, arthralgia, injection site pain and fatigue. This is not a full list.
As with any vaccine, a protective immune response may not be elicited in all vaccinees.
About GSK – GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at gsk.com.
GlaxoSmithKline NZ Limited, Auckland
AREXVY (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine, Adjuvanted) is indicated for active immunisation for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by respiratory syncytial virus RSV-A and RSV-B subtypes in adults 60 years of age and older, and in adults 50 through 59 years of age who are at increased risk of RSV disease. AREXVY is a prescription medicine; it is not funded and charges will apply. A single dose (0.5 mL) contains 120 micrograms of RSVPreF3 antigen adjuvanted with AS01E, composed of the plant extract Quillaja saponaria Molina, fraction 21 (QS-21) (25 micrograms) and 3-O-desacyl-4’-monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) from Salmonella minnesota (25 micrograms). AREXVY should not be administered if you are allergic to any component of this vaccine. AREXVY has risks and benefits – ask your doctor if AREXVY is right for you. Use strictly as directed. Side effects include: joint pain, injection site reactions including pain, swelling and redness, headache, runny nose, fatigue, fever and chills. This is not a full list. Vaccination with AREXVY may not fully protect all vaccine recipients. If you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional. Normal doctor’s charges apply. Additional product information and Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is available at www.medsafe.govt.nz. Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies. ©2026 GSK group of companies or its licensor. Marketed by GlaxoSmithKline NZ Ltd, Auckland. Adverse events involving GlaxoSmithKline products should be reported to GSK Medical Information on 0800 808 500. Date of Approval: 05 2026 Date of Expiry: 05 2028 TAPS NP24832 – PM-NZ-RSA-PRSR-260001