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Arexvy

RSV vaccine
Used for RSV

Arexvy (RSV vaccine) is the first FDA-approved vaccine to help lower your risk of getting serious lung infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). You can get it if you're age 60 or older, and in some cases starting at age 50 if you have a higher risk of severe illness from RSV. Arexvy (RSV vaccine) is given once as a single injection into the muscle. Common side effects include tiredness, muscle pain, and injection site reactions like pain, swelling, or redness.

Reviewed by:
reviewerKristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewerDaisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 11, 2025
basics-icon

What is Arexvy (RSV vaccine)?

What is Arexvy (RSV vaccine) used for?

Prevention of serious lung infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in:

  • Adults 60 years and older
  • Adults 50 to 59 years old who have a higher risk of illness due to RSV

How Arexvy (RSV vaccine) works

Arexvy (RSV vaccine) is a recombinant protein vaccine. It contains proteins from the RSV virus that trigger your immune system to make antibodies to fight the virus.

If you’re exposed to RSV later, these antibodies can stop the virus from infecting your lungs. And if you get the vaccine during pregnancy, your body can pass some of these antibodies to your baby before they are born. This helps protect your newborn from RSV after birth.

Drug facts

Common BrandsArexvy
Drug ClassVaccine
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Side effects of Arexvy (RSV vaccine)

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

50 to 59 years old:

  • Pain at the injection site (76%)
  • Tiredness (40%)
  • Muscle pain (36%)
  • Headache (32%)
  • Joint pain (23%)

60 years and older:

  • Pain at the injection site (61%)
  • Tiredness (34%)
  • Muscle pain (29%)
  • Headache (27%)
  • Joint pain (18%)

Less Common Side Effects

  • Redness at the injection site
  • Swelling at the injection site
  • Fever

Arexvy (RSV vaccine) serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Severe allergic reaction: rash, hives, racing heart, trouble breathing, swelling of the face or tongue
When do Arexvy (RSV vaccine) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
M
H
D
W
M
Pain at the injection site
Feeling tired
Muscle pain
Joint pain
Headache

Source: DailyMed

The following Arexvy (RSV vaccine) side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Feeling faint or lightheaded
  • Weakness and tingling in the feet and legs that spreads to upper body

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

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Pros and cons of Arexvy (RSV vaccine)

Pros

  • Reduces the risk of RSV-related lung infections
  • Only need one dose
  • Can be given with other vaccines

Cons

  • Not approved for use in people under 50 years old
  • Common side effects include tiredness and muscle pain
  • Not approved for use in pregnancy
pharmacist-tips-icon

Pharmacist tips for Arexvy (RSV vaccine)

pharmacist
  • Arexvy (RSV vaccine) is given as a one-time shot into the muscle. You don't need a second dose at this time.
  • Injectable vaccines like Arexvy (RSV vaccine) can sometimes make people feel lightheaded or faint. After getting the shot, stay seated for some time and stand up slowly to make sure you feel okay.
  • After getting Arexvy (RSV vaccine), you might experience redness, swelling, or pain where the shot was given. This is called an injection site reaction and usually goes away in a few days.
  • If you notice any unusual or serious side effects after getting Arexvy (RSV vaccine), tell your healthcare professional right away. You can also report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967 or https://vaers.hhs.gov/.
  • If you have a weakened immune system or take medications that weaken your immune system, Arexvy (RSV vaccine) might not work as well for you. Talk to your healthcare professional about what this means for your protection against RSV.
Common questions about Arexvy

Common questions about Arexvy

The CDC recommends getting an RSV vaccine like Arexvy if you're 75 years and older, or between 50 and 74 years old and at higher risk for severe illness from RSV. Talk to your healthcare professional about whether or not getting an RSV vaccine is a good option for you.

Yes, Arexvy is given as a one-time dose. Booster shots or additional doses aren't recommended at this time.

Based on the current CDC recommendations, Arexvy is given as a single dose. It's not currently recommended as an annual vaccine like the flu shot.

Studies show that Arexvy provides protection against RSV in adults for at least two years after a single dose. Since Arexvy is a newer vaccine, researchers are still studying how long the protection lasts and whether booster doses might be needed in the future.

Yes, you can get Arexvy on the same day as other vaccines. If you do, there's a chance you might have more side effects or stronger side effects. Discuss the best timing to get your vaccines with your pharmacist or primary care provider.

No, Arexvy isn't an mRNA vaccine. mRNA vaccines use genetic material that teaches your body to make a piece of a virus, which then triggers your immune system to make antibodies. Instead, Arexvy is a recombinant protein vaccine. It already contains pieces of the RSV virus that, once injected, prompt your immune system to make antibodies to help fight RSV.

In clinical studies, Arexvy reduced the risk of getting RSV illness by about 83% during one RSV season (typically fall and winter) compared to placebo. The same study also showed that it lowered the risk of serious RSV illness by 94% compared to placebo. Keep in mind, research is still ongoing. Scientists will continue to look at how long protection lasts, especially over multiple RSV seasons.

Arexvy and Abrysvo are two RSV vaccines given as one-time shots by a trained healthcare professional. Both are FDA-approved for adults 60 and older, Abrysvo is also approved for pregnant mothers between 32 to 36 weeks and adults ages 18 to 59 who're at high risk for RSV. The two vaccines have similar side effects, and the CDC doesn't recommend one over the other for older adults. Talk to your primary care provider to learn more about the differences between these two vaccines.

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Risks and warnings for Arexvy (RSV vaccine)

Arexvy (RSV vaccine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Guillain-Barré syndrome

Some people who got Arexvy (RSV vaccine) developed a rare condition called Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), where the immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves. This is most likely to happen within the first 42 days after getting the vaccine. If you notice symptoms like muscle weakness, tingling, and coordination problems, contact your healthcare professional right away.

Severe allergic reaction

Although rare, it's possible for Arexvy (RSV vaccine) to cause a severe allergic reaction. Get medical help right away if you experience skin rash, tightness in your chest, trouble breathing, or swelling in your lips, tongue, throat, or face after receiving this vaccine.

Fainting

Injectable vaccines like Arexvy (RSV vaccine) can cause some people to faint afterwards. Stay seated for a while after getting your vaccine, and stand up slowly to make sure you don't fall if you feel faint or dizzy.

Weaker vaccine protection

  • Risk factors: Medical conditions that weaken the immune system | Taking medications that weaken your immune system

Arexvy (RSV vaccine) might not work as well if you have a weakened immune system. If you have certain medical conditions like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cancer) or take medications that weaken your immune system — such as high-dose corticosteroids, transplant medications, cancer treatments) — talk to your healthcare professional first before getting Arexvy (RSV vaccine). They can help you decide if the vaccine is right for you.

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Arexvy (RSV vaccine) dosage

The average cost for 1 carton of 1 dose of Arexvy (RSV vaccine) is $300.34 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 15.96% off the average retail price of $357.36.
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1 dose1 carton$300.34$300.34

Typical dosage for Arexvy (RSV vaccine)

The typical dose is 0.5 mL injected into the muscle by a healthcare professional.

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How much does Arexvy (RSV vaccine) cost?

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What are alternatives to Arexvy (RSV vaccine)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Arexvy (RSV vaccine). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Arexvy (RSV vaccine)
Used for:

Prevention of serious lung infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in:

  • Adults 60 years and older
  • Adults 50 to 59 years old who have a higher risk of illness due to RSV
$300.34Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
Used for:

Prevention of serious lung infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in:

  • Adults 60 years and older
  • Adults 18 to 59 years old who have a higher risk of illness due to RSV
  • Pregnant mothers between 32 to 36 weeks gestation
$323.79Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
Used for:
$292.36Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
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News about Arexvy (RSV vaccine)

There are three FDA-approved RSV vaccines: Arexvy, Abrysvo, and mRESVIA. Here’s what you should know about how they work, side effects, and more.
Is There an RSV Vaccine? What to Know About Arexvy, Abrysvo, and mRESVIA
There are three FDA-approved RSV vaccines: Arexvy, Abrysvo, and mRESVIA. Here’s what you should know about how they work, side effects, and more.
Fatigue, muscle pain, and nausea are common side effects of the RSV vaccine. Here’s what to expect after getting Abrysvo, Arexvy, or mRESVIA.
8 RSV Vaccine Side Effects: What to Expect After Receiving Abrysvo, Arexvy, or mRESVIA
Fatigue, muscle pain, and nausea are common side effects of the RSV vaccine. Here’s what to expect after getting Abrysvo, Arexvy, or mRESVIA.
The RSV vaccine for adults can cost about $350 without insurance. But it is covered by many insurance plans, including Medicare. Find out prices and ways to save.
How Much Does the RSV Vaccine Cost?
The RSV vaccine for adults can cost about $350 without insurance. But it is covered by many insurance plans, including Medicare. Find out prices and ways to save.
Arexvy and Abrysvo are two FDA-approved RSV vaccines. Here are the main ways that they compare, plus how to choose between them.
Abrysvo vs. Arexvy: 6 Ways These RSV Vaccines Compare and How to Choose
Arexvy and Abrysvo are two FDA-approved RSV vaccines. Here are the main ways that they compare, plus how to choose between them.
Need to update your vaccines? See costs, recommendations, and FAQs for COVID, flu, and RSV vaccines.
COVID, Flu, and RSV: Your GoodRx Guide to Getting Vaccinated This Fall
Need to update your vaccines? See costs, recommendations, and FAQs for COVID, flu, and RSV vaccines.
Vaccines protect adults from several preventable diseases — like shingles and pneumonia — that can result in long-term pain, hospitalization, and death. As new diseases emerge, it’s important to keep up with your vaccines as you get older.
Vaccinations for Adults: Your GoodRx Guide
Vaccines protect adults from several preventable diseases — like shingles and pneumonia — that can result in long-term pain, hospitalization, and death. As new diseases emerge, it’s important to keep up with your vaccines as you get older.
Arvexy is the first FDA-approved vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Learn how Arevexy works and what side effects you can expect at GoodRx.
5 Things Older Adults Should Know About Arexvy: The First RSV Vaccine
Arvexy is the first FDA-approved vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Learn how Arevexy works and what side effects you can expect at GoodRx.

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References

Best studies we found

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). RSV Vaccine Guidance for Adults.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Vaccines for Adults.

GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA. (2025). Arexvy- respiratory syncytial visus vaccine recombinant, adjuvanted kit [package insert]. DailyMed.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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