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Spikevax

Pronunciation: SPIK-vax
Generic name: COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA
Other brand names of COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA include: Spikevax 2025-2026 Formula, mNEXSPIKE
Dosage form: suspension for intramuscular injection (0.25 mL, 0.5 mL)
Drug class: Viral vaccines

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Sep 3, 2025.

What is Spikevax? COVID-19 Vaccine

Spikevax 2025-2026 formula is Moderna's latest FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine designed to target the LP.8.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2. This updated mRNA vaccine helps your body develop immunity against currently circulating COVID-19 strains for the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season.

Key Features:

Who Can Get Spikevax 2025-2026?

Approved Age Groups:

High-Risk Conditions Include:

Important: Spikevax may not provide protection to all individuals who receive the vaccine. Breakthrough infections can still occur, but vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe COVID-19, hospitalization, and death.

New mNEXSPIKE Option

Moderna's new COVID-19 vaccine mNEXSPIKE is available for:

How Spikevax Works

Spikevax delivers modified messenger RNA (mRNA) into your cells, instructing them to produce the coronavirus spike protein. Your immune system learns to recognize this protein, creating protection against COVID-19. The 2025-2026 formula specifically targets the LP.8.1 variant based on FDA guidance for current circulating strains.

Spikevax does not contain any live virus particles, and it cannot give you COVID-19.

Spikevax Side Effects

Common Side Effects by Age Group

Infants (6-36 months):

Children (37 months-11 years):

Adolescents (12-17 years):

Adults (18-64 years):

Adults (65+ years):

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

Serious Allergic Reactions

Rarely, severe allergic reactions may occur within minutes to 1 hour after vaccination. For this reason, your vaccination provider may ask you to stay for a short time at the place where you received your vaccine. Symptoms include:

Heart Inflammation (Myocarditis/Pericarditis)

Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart) have occurred in some people who have received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, including Spikevax.

Seek immediate medical attention for:

These may not be all the possible side effects of Spikevax. Ask your healthcare provider about any side effects that concern you. Report vaccine side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). The VAERS toll-free number is 1-800-822-7967, or report online to https://vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html.

Before receiving Spikevax

Do Not Get Spikevax if You:

Tell Your Healthcare Provider if You: 

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Spikevax during pregnancy is generally considered safe. Major health organizations (CDC, ACOG, AAP) recommend COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant individuals. Pregnant women with COVID-19 face increased risk of severe outcomes.  

Pregnancy Registry: Call 1-866-MODERNA (1-866-663-3762) to enroll.

Breastfeeding: Limited data available: discuss benefits vs risks with your healthcare provider. 

How is Spikevax given?

Spikevax is given to you by a healthcare provider as an injection into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm.

Administration:

Dose Sizes:

Special Dosing for Infants (6-23 months):

What other drugs will affect Spikevax?

Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Tell your healthcare provider if you take:

Also, tell your healthcare provider if you have received any other COVID-19 vaccines.

Does Spikevax interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Spikevax 2025-2026 Ingredients

Active Ingredient:

LP.8.1 variant mRNA: Nucleoside-modified messenger RNA encoding pre-fusion stabilized Spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant LP.8.1

Inactive Ingredients:

Manufacturer

Manufactured for Moderna US, Inc., Princeton, NJ 08540.

Popular FAQ

What is the difference between Spikevax and mNEXSPIKE?

Moderna has developed mNEXSPIKE, a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine that uses only one-fifth the dose of their current Spikevax vaccine. This lower dose is possible due to a more targeted design that creates a focused immune response.

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COVID-19 vaccines and variants: What you should know

As of May 2025, the top 5 variants circulating in the U.S. are all lineages of the Omicron variant are: LP.8.1 (73%), XFC (10%), XEC (4%), LF.7.7.2 (3%), and LF.7 (2%), as estimated by the CDC on the COVID Data Tracker.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.