Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine
Your Guild warmly welcome the news from the Queensland Department of Health that the recently approved vaccination for RSV in older adults will be added to the Extended Practice Authority – Pharmacists. This means that from 1 May 2024, pharmacist immunisers are authorised to administer the RSV vaccine to eligible patients.
Vaccination for RSV is an increasingly important preventive health strategy. Data about the number of RSV cases reported in Queensland is recorded by Queensland Health and so far this year over 12,000 Queenslanders have been diagnosed with RSV which is greater than the number diagnosed with the flu.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) Statement on the Clinical Use of Arexvy (RSV Pre-F3) Vaccine for Prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Older Adults in Australia provides advice on the use of the vaccine. This statement recommends a single dose for:
- All adults aged 75 years and older, and
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 60 to 74 years, and
- Adults aged 60 to 74 years with medical conditions that increase their risk of severe disease due to RSV.
Vaccination Information
One vaccine is currently available on the private market in Australia for adults aged ≥60 years to prevent illness and severe complications associated with RSV infection. Arexvy (GlaxoSmithKline) is an adjuvanted recombinant RSV vaccine. Arexvy is administered as a single dose of 0.5 mL by intramuscular injection and may be given at any time of the year. It is registered for use in adults ≥60 years of age. At this time, Arexvy is available only through private prescription. It is not currently funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
RSV Immunisation Resources
The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) has some useful information, including a webinar recording, to assist immunisation providers to discuss the importance of preventing RSV in vulnerable patient cohorts. This information can be accessed here - https://ncirs.org.au/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-immunisation.
The Immunisation Coalition is also hosting a webinar series on influenza, COVID-19 and RSV with the first one already recorded, and the next on 22 May and the final scheduled for 19 June. To access recordings and register for upcoming webinars, please visit the website: https://www.immunisationcoalition.org.au/events/influenza-covid-19-rsv-webinar-series/
Vaccination Resources
In response to this exciting update, we have updated the following resources to include RSV: