Is the RSV Vaccine Vegan?
- Jasmine Uchi, PharmD
- Oct 12, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 12
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that causes mild cold-like symptoms in most people. However, it can be serious for infants and older adults, especially those with chronic medical conditions. Symptoms may include runny nose, cough, fever, and wheezing. Most people recover in a week or two, but some may need to be hospitalized. GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, and Moderna are three companies that manufacture RSV vaccines.
FDA Approved RSV Vaccines
Vaccine | Arexvy | Abrysvo | mResvia |
Manufacturer | GlaxoSmithKline | Pfizer | Moderna |
Indication | Active immunization for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in adults > 60 years of age |
| Active immunization for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in adults > 60 years of age |
Active Ingredient | Recombinant respiratory syncytial virus pre-fusion F protein | Recombinant respiratory syncytial virus pre-fusion F protein | Recombinant respiratory syncytial virus pre-fusion F antigen (A and B) |
Inactive Ingredients | Trehalose dihydrate, polysorbate 80, potassium phosphate (monobasic), potassium phosphate (dibasic) | Tromethamine, tromethamine hydrochloride, sucrose, mannitol, polysorbate, sodium chloride | Tromethamine, tromethamine hydrochloride, sucrose, mannitol, polysorbate, sodium chloride, cholesterol, sodium acetate, acetic acid |
Side Effects |
| Individuals > 60 years:
Pregnant Women:
|
|
Is Arexvy vegan-friendly? Is Abrysvo vegan-friendly?
The short and honest answer? It’s complicated.
Both manufacturers use genetically engineered Chinese Hamster Ovary cells in early manufacturing stages, grown in media free of antibiotics or animal-derived proteins.
In line with our stringent "animal-free" definition, we cannot classify Pfizer or GSK's vaccines as entirely animal-free. For more information on these products, contact us directly!
Is mResvia vegan-friendly?
Moderna's RSV vaccine, mResvia, was approved on May 31, 2024. While it does not yet have a Standardized Response Letter (SRL) with Pill Clarity confirming its status as animal-free, mResvia uses pre-F protein instead of Chinese Hamster Ovary cells. For more information on this product, contact our team directly!
A collaboration between Moderna and Pill Clarity could help clarify the vaccine's status, ensuring accurate information for patients and providers. This is especially important as a study found internal inconsistencies in excipient listings in 39% of formulations examined in the Structured Product Labeling data files provided by drug manufacturers on DailyMed. An SRL would help ensure consistent, reliable information.
Conclusion
RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious illness, especially in infants and young children, as well as older adults and people with certain chronic health conditions. The RSV vaccine is an important tool for preventing serious RSV infection. It is safe and effective, and it can help to prevent hospitalization, serious illness, and even death. If you are eligible for the RSV vaccine, please talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated. You can learn more about the RSV vaccines on the CDC website.
Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on Pill Clarity is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates.
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