Spikevax vs. Mnexspike for COVID-19: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Spikevax

MNEXSPIKE

Summary for Spikevax

Prescription only

Spikevax (Moderna COVID-19 vaccine) is an mRNA vaccine. It's used to prevent infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Spikevax is FDA approved for people ages 65 years and older. It's also approved for people ages 6 months to 64 years with at least one risk factor for serious problems from COVID. This vaccine is given by a healthcare professional as an injection into the muscle. Most people only need 1 dose of the updated Spikevax booster shot for the year, except for babies who've never been vaccinated before. Side effects include pain at the injection site, muscle pain, and tiredness.

Indications for Spikevax

Prevention of COVID-19 infection in people 65 years of age and older
Prevention of COVID-19 infection in people between 6 months and 64 years old with at least one condition that puts them at high risk of serious problems from illness

Pros and Cons for Spikevax

Pros

Usually need just 1 updated shot each year
Approved for older adults and certain people 6 months and older

Cons

Doesn't guarantee that you won't get COVID (but helps prevent you from getting seriously sick)
Often causes temporary pain at the injection site, muscle pain, and tiredness

Common Side Effects for Spikevax

Pain at the injection site
Feeling tired
Headache
Muscle pain
Joint pain
Chills
Swelling or tenderness of lymph nodes in the armpit of the injected arm

Warnings for Spikevax

Heart inflammation (swelling)
Possible fainting after vaccination
Lowered response to Spikevax in people with a weakened immune system

Summary for Mnexspike

Prescription only

MNEXSPIKE (Moderna COVID-19 vaccine) is an mRNA vaccine. It's a newer vaccine that helps prevent infection from COVID-19. MNEXSPIKE is FDA approved for people 65 years and older. It's also approved for people 12 to 64 years old with at least one health condition that raises their risk for severe COVID. This vaccine is given as an injection into the muscle. Most people only need 1 dose of MNEXSPIKE each year. Common side effects are injection site reactions, headache, and feeling tired.

Indications for Mnexspike

Prevention of COVID-19 infection in people 65 years and older
Prevention of COVID-19 infection in people 12 to 64 years old with at least one risk factor that makes them more likely to have serious problems from COVID

Pros and Cons for Mnexspike

Pros

Approved for older adults and certain people 12 years and older
Usually need just 1 shot each year
Uses a lower dose of mRNA than Spikevax

Cons

Doesn't guarantee that you won't get COVID (but helps prevent you from getting seriously sick)
Must be given by a healthcare professional as an injection into the muscle
Can cause temporary injection site reactions, muscle pain, and tiredness