2024-03-12 06:00:50
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can be responsible for sometimes serious respiratory infections in old people. Among the vaccines developed to combat RSV infections is vaccine Arexvy, intended to prevent lower respiratory tract disease in people 60 years of age and older. The only downside: the significant cost of this vaccine, which is not covered by Health Insurance. It could nevertheless be the subject of a refund next fall. We take stock.
A new vaccine against respiratory infections in seniors
Although it affects nearly a third of infants under 2 years old in France each year, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can also be responsible for sometimes serious respiratory infections in old people.
Hence the interest in protect this population as best as possible against this type of very common and contagious infections. In recent years, the scientific community has been deploying significant research efforts to develop vaccines against RSV infections.
Among the vaccines developed to combat RSV infections is the Arexvy vaccine. Having obtained European marketing authorization in June 2023, this vaccine subject to compulsory medical prescription is intended to prevent lower respiratory tract disease in people aged 60 and over.
To know ! The Arexvy vaccine comes in the form of an injectable suspension to be reconstituted from the vial of powder and the vial of adjuvant provided in the packaging. The vaccine is administered intramuscularly in a single dose. of 0.5mL of reconstituted vaccine.
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A vaccine with demonstrated effectiveness
The marketing of this vaccine was possible thanks to the authorization of the European Medicines Agency (EMA). To give its green light, the body relied on the results of a clinical study carried out on nearly 25,000 patients aged 60 and over. This study demonstrated significant effectiveness of the vaccine Arexvy coupled with excellent tolerance. In fact the risk of developing lower respiratory tract disease due to RSV was reduced by 83% after injection of one dose of vaccine compared to the population who received a placebo dose. As for the adverse effects, most of them were mild or moderate in intensity and disappeared a few days after vaccination.
The only downside is the cost of this vaccine (nearly 200 euros) which is not covered by Health Insurance. And this, even for fragile, elderly, respiratory insufficient, or immunocompromised patients.
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Towards reimbursement for the Arexvy vaccine?
This vaccine could nevertheless be subject to reimbursement next fall according to recent comments from the Minister of Labor, Health and Solidarity. But this decision will depend on the opinion of the High Authority of Health.
The Directorate General of Health has in fact commissioned the High Authority for Health to define a vaccination strategy for the prevention of RSV infections in people aged 60 and over. The place of the AREXVY vaccine will thus be clarified as part of the presentation of this prevention strategy. In order to develop this strategy, the High Authority for Health will rely on various important criteria including French epidemiological data as well as effectiveness, tolerance and safety data relating to authorized vaccines.
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Déborah L., Doctor in Pharmacy
Sources
– The Arexvy vaccine reimbursed this fall? www.lequotidiendupharmacien.fr. Accessed February 29.
– AREXVY: RSV vaccine for people aged 60 and over.www.vidal.fr. Accessed February 29, 2024.
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