What is an RSV infection?

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause symptoms which are similar to those of a cold, but can also lead to bronchiolitis. Bronchiolitis is highly contagious and generally affects children under the age of 2. The bronchiolitis epidemic period begins in autumn and ends at the end of winter. Whilst the disease is generally not serious, in some cases it can require hospitalisation or even admission to intensive care.

What is Abrysvo®? Who is it for?

Abrysvo® is a vaccine designed to protect against lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in adults aged 60 and older.

It is also intended for use in pregnant women (between the 24th and 36th week of pregnancy) to protect their infants against RSV from birth to the age of six months.

The vaccine contains RSV F antigens of subgroups A and B stabilised in prefusion form.

How is it administered?

Your doctor will inject the dose to be administered (0.5 mL) into your arm muscle. The injection can be given at the same time as the quadrivalent seasonal flu vaccine. The injection will be documented in your vaccination certificate.

Before administering Abrysvo®, it is important to let your doctor know if:

• You are allergic to any of the ingredients in this vaccine
• You have bleeding problems or a low number of blood platelets
• You are prone to haematomas or are being treated with anticoagulant medication (to thin the blood and prevent the formation of clots)

What are the potential adverse effects?

Like all medications, Abrysvo® can sometimes cause side effects. They generally appear in the days following the injection, are low in intensity and do not last a long time.

Possible side effects are:

• A reaction at the injection site (redness, swelling, pain)
• Headaches
• Myalgia

As with any injectable medicine, an allergic reaction may occur. The main symptoms are:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
• Severe itching of the skin, which may be accompanied by redness and/or small bumps

If you notice any of these signs after the injection, inform your doctor immediately or call 112.

Contact

Hôpitaux Robert Schuman
9, Rue Edward Steichen, L-2540 Luxembourg
T +352 286 911
www.facebook.com/hopitauxrobertschuman
www.stg.hopitauxschuman.lu

USEFUL LINKS
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