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.
Arexvy
Used for RSV
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 18 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.
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 18 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.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Arexvy |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Vaccine |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Arexvy (RSV vaccine) essentials
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
18 to 49 years old:
- Pain at the injection site (76%)
- Muscle pain (60%)
- Tiredness (60%)
- Headache (44%)
- Joint pain (28%)
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
More on Arexvy (RSV vaccine) side effects
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):
- General discomfort and fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
Get your GoodRx coupon
$359.72
GoodRx discount
$312.07
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
- Injection might be uncomfortable
- Common side effects include tiredness and muscle pain
- Not approved for use in pregnancy
Pharmacist tips for Arexvy (RSV vaccine)
- 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.
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.
Arexvy (RSV vaccine) dosage
The average cost for 1 carton of 1 dose of Arexvy (RSV vaccine) is $312.07 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 13.25% off the average retail price of $359.72. 
Carton
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 dose | 1 carton | $312.07 | $312.07 |
Typical dosage for Arexvy (RSV vaccine)
The typical dose is 0.5 mL injected into the muscle by a healthcare professional.
How much does Arexvy (RSV vaccine) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Arexvy (brand)
$312.07
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:
$312.07View prices
Used for:
Prevention of serious lung infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in:
$325.99View prices
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