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

Spikevax

Nuvaxovid

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 Nuvaxovid

Prescription only

Nuvaxovid (Novavax COVID-19 vaccine) is a recombinant vaccine. It's used to prevent infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Nuvaxovid is FDA approved for adults 65 years of age and older. It's also approved for people ages 12 to 64 years with at least one risk factor for severe problems from COVID. This vaccine is given as an injection in the muscle by a trained healthcare professional. It's given as an updated Nuvaxovid booster shot each year to help protect against the latest strains of the COVID virus. Side effects include tiredness, headache, and pain and tenderness at the injection site.

Indications for Nuvaxovid

Prevention of COVID-19 infection in people 65 years of age and older
Prevention of COVID-19 infection in people ages 12 to 64 years old with at least one condition that puts them at high risk of serious problems from illness

Pros and Cons for Nuvaxovid

Pros

Need just 1 updated shot each year
A more traditional type of vaccine for people who prefer not to get an mRNA COVID vaccine (Comirnaty, Spikevax, or mNEXSPIKE)