Sponsored Content Disclosure: This blog post is sponsored by GSK
As we age, actively taking care of our health becomes more important. We need to watch our diet, stay active, and have regular check-ups with our healthcare providers. But, life gets busy, and it can be easy to forget about certain health risks that become more common as we get older, especially preventable ones like respiratory infections during Canada’s colder seasons. I learned this the hard way.
A couple of winters ago, I contracted respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which led to an infection in my lungs and airways. What started as a simple cough quickly escalated into a severe respiratory infection, making breathing difficult and causing fever. I ended up in the hospital for over a week. My family was really worried, and so was I. The recovery process was long and exhausting. I felt fatigued for weeks after coming home, and I resented that I constantly needed to rest. I also had to juggle multiple medications to manage symptoms like a lingering and painful cough. Having caught RSV once left me anxious about future winters and RSV seasons.
So, I spoke with my pharmacist, who recommended AREXVY. AREXVY is a vaccine that helps protect adults 60 years and older from lower lung disease caused by RSV. It's also approved for adults 50-59 years old with additional risk factors. I decided to give it a try. The result? Knowing that my risk of getting an RSV lower lung infection may be reduced has been reassuring.
My pharmacist provided me with the following information to help me make an informed decision.
What is RSV?
RSV is a highly contagious respiratory virus that’s quite common in Canada, especially during the winter months. While it can cause mild, cold-like symptoms for some, it can lead to severe respiratory illnesses in adults at increased risk, particularly in those with underlying health conditions like asthma, diabetes, and those with weakened immune systems. The risk is even higher for older adults like me, whose immune systems aren’t as strong as they used to be.
Given the potential severity of RSV for adults in these age groups, it’s so important to consider simple, preventive measures like vaccination.
Why AREXVY?
My pharmacist recommended AREXVY, an RSV vaccine, because I have a comorbid health condition. AREXVY also contains an adjuvant that can help improve the body’s response to the vaccine.
When to Get Vaccinated?
In our family, we like to remind each other to take extra care during months with an ‘R’ in their name - like JanuaRY, FebRuary, MaRch and ApRil. Months with an ‘R’ tend to be the colder ones in Canada, when RSV infections and other respiratory viruses are more common. It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice on the best time for you to get vaccinated. They can offer the most accurate information based on your individual health needs and circumstances.
How to Get a Prescription for AREXVY?
Getting a prescription for AREXVY is easy. A doctor can prescribe the vaccine, and depending on where you live in Canada, pharmacists can also prescribe and administer it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information on how to get vaccinated with AREXVY.
Plus, it’s covered by many private insurance plans in Canada. I gave my insurance provider AREXVY’s drug identification number (DIN), 02540207, to find out if it was covered within my plan.
Potential Side Effects
Like any vaccine, AREXVY can cause side effects, but most of them tend to be mild or moderate and don’t last long. You might experience reactions like a sore arm and tiredness which tend to resolve a day or two after receiving the vaccine. However, it’s important to be aware of and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Help Protect Yourself
If you’re above the age of 50, speak with your healthcare provider about your risk of RSV disease and if AREXVY is right for you today.
Just like Wayne Gretzky, who chose AREXVY to help protect against RSV, you too can take your shot.
For more information, visit AREXVY.ca.
AREXVY is a vaccine that helps protect adults 50 - 59 years old at increased risk, and adults 60 years and older, from lower lung disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). 100% protection cannot be guaranteed. AREXVY is not indicated for the treatment of RSV and does not prevent or reduce the risk of complications. AREXVY should not be used if you are allergic to any ingredient in the vaccine. Adverse events may occur. Very common adverse events (=10% of doses) reported in clinical trials were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain (myalgia), and joint pain (arthralgia). Ask your healthcare provider if AREXVY is right for you. Full product information can be found at gsk.ca/arexvy/en. To report an adverse event, please call 1-800-387-7374.
This information is intended for Canadian residents only.
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Disclaimer: The narrator in this blog post is fictional created to represent a group of individuals who have had similar experiences. The story and opinions shared are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always seek personalized guidance from your healthcare provider for any medical concerns or decisions.