Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Arexvy.
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Is Arexvy an mRNA vaccine?
No, Arexvy is not an mRNA vaccine. Instead, it’s a type of vaccine called a recombinant vaccine. It contains a lab-made copy of a protein subunit of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This protein triggers an immune response that protects you from future RSV infections.
mRNA vaccines are a different type of vaccine. Instead of containing a particular protein from a bacteria or virus, they contain a lab-made fragment of mRNA (a type of genetic material). The mRNA instructs cells in your body to make a particular protein from a bacteria or virus. As with recombinant vaccines, the protein triggers an immune response that protects you from future infections with that bacteria or virus.
Drug companies are developing mRNA vaccines for RSV, but these are not yet available.
If you have questions about the different types of vaccines, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How does Arexvy work? And how long does it take the vaccine to start working?
Arexvy is an RSV vaccine. It contains part of a key protein that RSV uses to infect cells in your body. Arexvy works by teaching your immune system to recognize this protein.
Arexvy is an adjuvanted vaccine. This means it contains an adjuvant, which is an ingredient added to help the vaccine work better.
When you receive Arexvy, your immune system makes antibodies to help fight against the RSV protein in the vaccine. These antibodies stay in your body. If you’re exposed to RSV in the future, these antibodies help your immune system attack the virus. This helps prevent RSV from causing severe lung disease, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
After receiving a dose of Arexvy, it typically takes about 2 weeks for your body to produce enough antibodies to protect you from RSV.
If you have questions about how Arexvy works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can Arexvy cause long-term side effects?
Arexvy isn’t known to cause any long-term side effects. No long-term side effects were reported in
Arexvy’s side effects tend to be mild and usually improve in a couple of days.
If you’re concerned about long-term side effects with Arexvy, talk with your doctor.
