Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Spikevax vs. Nuvaxovid

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Spikevax
    Nuvaxovid
  • Spikevax
    Nuvaxovid

  • Summary of Spikevax vs. Nuvaxovid

    Summary for mRNA vaccine
    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.

    Summary for Recombinant vaccine

    Nuvaxovid (Novavax COVID-19 vaccine) is a recombinant vaccine that's used to prevent infection from the virus that causes COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) and is available in the U.S. Nuvaxovid has Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA for people aged 12 years and older. This vaccine is given as an injection in the muscle by a healthcare provider. You can get an updated booster shot after you've been fully vaccinated against the virus. Common side effects include tiredness, headache, and pain and tenderness at the injection site.

  • Indications of Spikevax vs. Nuvaxovid

    Indications for
    •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
    Indications for
    •Prevention of COVID-19 infection in people aged 12 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Spikevax vs. Nuvaxovid

    Pros and Const for mRNA vaccine
    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
    Pros and Const for Recombinant vaccine
    Pros
    •A traditional type of vaccine (protein-based)
    •Recommended by the CDC to prevent COVID-19 infection
    •An option if you can't or prefer not to get the Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) or Moderna (Spikevax) COVID-19 vaccine
    Cons
    •Requires two injections to be fully vaccinated
    •Not authorized for use for people under 12 years old

  • Common Side Effects of Spikevax vs. Nuvaxovid

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Pain or tenderness at injection site (up to 69%)
    •Tiredness or feeling unwell (up to 45%)
    •Headache (up to 38%)
    •Muscle pain (up to 25%)

  • Warnings of Spikevax vs. Nuvaxovid

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart inflammation (swelling)
    •Possible fainting after vaccination
    •Lowered response to Spikevax in people with a weakened immune system
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Heart inflammation (swelling)
    •Fainting
    •Lowered response in people with a weakened immune system

  • Prices with our coupons for Spikevax vs. Nuvaxovid

    Learn more about Spikevax
    Learn more about Nuvaxovid

Compare other COVID-19 drugs

Spikevax vs ComirnatySpikevax vs Nuvaxovid

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.