This vaccine is used to help prevent infection by the
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It may also be used during the third
trimester of pregnancy to help prevent RSV in the newborn baby. RSV can
cause serious illness, especially in older adults with certain health
problems (such as heart disease, lung disease) and infants. This vaccine
works by increasing the body's natural defense (immunity) against the
virus.
Vaccines may not fully protect everyone who receives
them.
Read all vaccine information available from your health
care professional before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions,
ask your health care professional.
The vaccine is given by injection into a muscle in the
upper arm by a health care professional.
Soreness/redness/swelling/bruising at the injection
site, muscle aches, joint pain, headache, or tiredness may occur. If any of
these effects last or get worse, tell your health care professional
promptly.
Rarely, some people have symptoms such as fainting,
dizziness, vision changes, or ringing in the ears just after getting a
vaccine injection. Tell your health care professional right away if you
have any of these symptoms. Sitting or lying down may help, since these
symptoms usually don't last long.
Remember that this vaccine has been prescribed because
your health care professional has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this vaccine do not have
serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this vaccine is
rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your health care
professional.
Contact the doctor for medical advice about side
effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US
you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System
(VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may call the Vaccine Safety
Section at Public Health Agency of Canada at
1-866-844-0018.
Before you receive this vaccine, tell the health care
professional if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your health care professional for more
details.
Before receiving this vaccine, tell your health care
professional your medical history, especially of:
- current fever/illness
- immune system disorders (such as due to HIV infection,
certain cancers such as leukemia/lymphoma, cancer or radiation
treatment)
- vaccination history (including previous reactions to any
vaccines)
During pregnancy, this vaccine should be used only when
clearly needed. This vaccine may be given during the third trimester (after
32 weeks) to help prevent RSV in the newborn baby. Discuss the risks and
benefits with your health care professional.
It is unknown if this vaccine passes into breast milk.
Consult your health care professional before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your health care professional. Do not start, stop, or change
the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this vaccine
are:
- drugs that weaken the immune system (including cyclosporine,
tacrolimus, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as
prednisone)
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
Keep vaccine records for yourself and your children and
provide them to the health care professionals to prevent unnecessary
re-vaccinations.
Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Protect from
light. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.