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Uses

What is Abrysvo used for?

Abrysvo (respiratory syncytial virus vaccine) is commonly given to help prevent lower respiratory tract disease (such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis) caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is a common, contagious virus that causes symptoms like cough and runny nose. In most people, RSV is mild. However, in babies, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions, RSV can cause serious problems that require you to go to the hospital. This vaccine will not give you RSV. It also will not treat an infection.

How does Abrysvo work (mechanism of action)?

Abrysvo triggers your immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against the respiratory syncytial virus. If you have antibodies against this virus, your body is better able to fight the virus, which may help prevent you from getting lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by RSV. This is called active immunization, which leads to active immunity. 

If you receive an Abrysvo vaccine during pregnancy, your body makes antibodies against RSV, which are transferred to the unborn baby through the placenta. This helps protect newborns and infants against LRTD, including severe LRTD, in the first six months of life. This is called passive immunization, which leads to passive immunity. 

How should I store Abrysvo?

Abrysvo is usually given by a healthcare provider in a pharmacy, hospital, or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Abrysvo?

The most common side effects of Abrysvo are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain at the injection site
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea
  • Tiredness

There may be other side effects of Abrysvo that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Abrysvo?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Abrysvo are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Abrysvo may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get emergency medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Preterm Birth. When given during pregnancy, the effects of Abrysvo on preterm birth are not completely understood. Abrysvo is generally given between the 32nd and 36th week of pregnancy to avoid this possible risk. If you are pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you should get this vaccine and the best time to get it.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Abrysvo?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Abrysvo.

  • Respiratory syncytial virus vaccine
  • Abrysvo
  • Any of the ingredients in Abrysvo

Your healthcare provider can tell you all of the ingredients in Abrysvo.

What should I know about Abrysvo before using it?

Abrysvo is usually given by a healthcare provider in a pharmacy, hospital, or clinic.

A vaccine information statement should be provided to you by your healthcare provider before your vaccination. This document provides information regarding the benefits and risks of the vaccine.

If you need other vaccines, such as the flu or pneumonia vaccine, you can get them on the same day as Abrysvo. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.

Your risk of dizziness or fainting, which may lead to a fall, is the highest within a few minutes after receiving Abrysvo. Your healthcare provider may want to watch you for this time to ensure your safety.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Abrysvo?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Abrysvo is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • A history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
  • Fever or recent illness
  • A weak immune system, get infections easily, or take medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system such as radiation or chemotherapy
  • A history of any type of reaction after any vaccine
  • A history of fainting after an injection
  • History of preterm delivery or high blood pressure during pregnancy

Previous RSV Vaccine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever received an RSV vaccine.

Pregnancy. If Abrysvo is given during pregnancy, it is usually given between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. It is generally not used before 32 weeks because of a possible increased risk of preterm birth. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if and when you should be vaccinated with Abrysvo while you are pregnant. 

If you get the vaccine, you can register for a pregnancy registry by calling 800-616-3791. This registry collects safety information about the use of Abrysvo during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Abrysvo passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should get this vaccine while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Abrysvo?

For more information about Abrysvo, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.abrysvo.com or call them at 800-438-1985.

Interactions

Does Abrysvo interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Abrysvo and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Abrysvo.

Does Abrysvo interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Abrysvo and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Abrysvo?

Abrysvo is given by a healthcare provider. Keep a record of all vaccines you receive and share it with your healthcare provider. If you have any side effects, please report them by calling 800-822-7967 or filling out an online form at https://vaers.hhs.gov.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Abrysvo?

Abrysvo is given as one dose. If you are scheduled to get an Abrysvo vaccine, and you miss your appointment, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.