Key takeaways:
Without insurance, the average retail price of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for adults is about $350. There are three FDA-approved vaccines to prevent illness from RSV: Abrysvo, Arexvy, and mRESVIA.
Many insurance plans, including Medicare Part D, cover the RSV vaccine and its administration with no out-of-pocket costs to you.
People without insurance may qualify for patient assistance programs and discounts to lower the price of the RSV vaccine. You also may be able to save with a GoodRx coupon.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is common and typically spreads during the winter months. The virus can cause different respiratory tract illnesses in children and adults.
There are three RSV vaccines available for eligible adults: Abrysvo, Arexvy, and mRESVIA. These vaccines are all given as single doses through an intramuscular shot. A healthcare professional can help you decide which one you should receive.
In 2024, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices updated its recommendations for the groups that should receive the RSV vaccine to reduce the risk of severe illness:
Adults age 75 and older
Adults age 60 to 74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV infection
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In addition to these uses, the Abrysvo vaccine is also FDA approved for:
People in the late stages of pregnancy, to protect their babies during their first 6 months of life
Adults age 18 to 59 who are at increased risk for lower respiratory tract illness
Arexvy is also approved for certain adults as young as age 50.
How much does an RSV vaccine cost?
If you don’t have health insurance, the cost for the RSV vaccine will depend on your location and pharmacy. Without insurance, the average retail price of the RSV vaccine for adults is about $350.
You may be able to pay less with a GoodRx coupon.
RSV vaccine low prices
RSV vaccines for adults | GoodRx price |
|---|---|
Abrysvo (made by Pfizer) | |
Arexvy (made by GSK) | |
mRESVIA (made by Moderna) |
The cost of the vaccine may include an administration fee, which varies depending on the provider and location.
What is the RSV vaccine? RSV vaccines like Arexvy and Abrysvo help protect adults from severe respiratory infections.
The RSV vaccine can cause side effects. Common RSV vaccine side effects include injection site reactions, fatigue, headaches, and muscle and joint pain.
RSV vaccines are covered by Medicare. Medicare Part D, in addition to Medicaid and commercial insurance plans, cover the RSV vaccine without cost sharing.
Antibody protection
Infants and very young children are at higher risk of developing severe RSV. For this age group, monoclonal antibody treatments like Beyfortus (nirsevimab) and Synagis (palivizumab) can help prevent childhood RSV. These treatments are not vaccines, but they provide passive immunity to help your child’s immune system quickly recognize and fight the virus.
Infants and children usually require either Beyfortus or Synagis, but not both.
Does insurance cover the RSV vaccine?
Yes, most insurance plans cover the RSV vaccine without cost sharing when administered by an in-network healthcare professional.
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Will Medicare pay for the RSV vaccine?
Medicare Part D covers the RSV vaccine without out-of-pocket costs. This applies to both the shot and its administration.
Will commercial insurance pay for the RSV vaccine?
Commercial insurance plans, including Affordable Care Act marketplace plans, are required to cover routine vaccines without cost sharing from you. The list includes the RSV vaccine.
Will Medicaid pay for the RSV vaccine?
RSV is one of the vaccines covered by Medicaid plans.
Will Tricare pay for the RSV vaccine?
RSV is among the vaccines covered by Tricare and Tricare for Life plans. You may have out-of-pocket costs depending on where you get your vaccine.
How can you save on the RSV shot?
If you don’t have insurance or are underinsured, a patient assistance program may help you get a free or discounted RSV vaccine:
Abrysvo: Pfizer RxPathways can help you access the Pfizer Patient Assistance Program for Vaccines. Use this tool to find the program.
Arexvy: The GSK for You patient assistance program did not include this vaccination at the time of publication, but it may at a later date.
mRESVIA: Moderna did not have a savings program for this vaccine at publication time.
You should also check with locations that offer free and low-cost vaccines, such as health departments, community health centers, and pop-up vaccine clinics. There are some public health initiatives to help vaccinate people. You also may be able to save with a GoodRx coupon.
The bottom line
An RSV vaccine can cost around $350 without insurance. Most insurance plans, including Medicare Part D, cover the shot and its administration with no cost sharing. People without vaccine coverage may be able to save with manufacturer patient assistance programs, free and low-cost vaccine options, or a GoodRx coupon.
Why trust our experts?
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024). AAP recommendations for the prevention of RSV disease in infants and children.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Current CDC vaccine price list.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). How to pay for vaccines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Vaccine-specific recommendations.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Vaccines for older adults.
Express Scripts. (2024). Protect your health with TRICARE covered vaccines.
Pfizer. (2024). U.S. FDA approves Pfizer’s RSV vaccine ABRYSVO® for adults aged 18 to 59 at increased risk for disease.
Pfizer RxPathways. (n.d.). Find a program.
Tricare Communities. (2023). Protect your family with flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines. Tricare.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). Abrysvo.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). Arexvy.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
