Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Beyfortus (nirsevimab)
Arexvy (RSV vaccine)
Beyfortus (nirsevimab)
Arexvy (RSV vaccine)
Summary of Beyfortus vs. Arexvy
Summary for Monoclonal antibody
Prescription only
Beyfortus (nirsevimab or nirsevimab-alip) is an injection given to babies and children up to 24 months old. It's used to prevent them from getting very sick from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It's not an RSV vaccine. Instead, it's a monoclonal antibody that gives protection against the virus for a short time. Beyfortus (nirsevimab) is now part of the CDC Child Immunization Schedule. The usual dosage is 1 to 2 injections into the muscle during or at the start of the RSV season. It's well-tolerated with only a few side effects.
Summary for Vaccine
Prescription only
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.