Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is FDA-licensed for use in ages 5 years through 64 years with at least one underlying condition that puts them at risk for severe COVID-19 infection and individuals 65 years and older.
mNexspike (Moderna) is FDA-licensed for use in ages 12 through 64 years with at least one underlying condition that puts them at risk for severe COVID-19 infection and individuals 65 years and older.
Nuvaxovid (Sanofi-Novavax) is FDA-licensed for use in ages 12 through 64 years with at least one underlying condition that puts them at risk for severe COVID-19 infection and individuals 65 years and older.
Spikevax (Moderna) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is FDA-licensed for use in ages 6 months through 64 years with at least one underlying condition that puts them at risk for severe COVID-19 infection and individuals 65 years and older.
Recommendations of CDC and major medical societies for use of these products are broader than the narrow FDA-licensed indications, as described in other answers.
Last reviewed:
October 18, 2026
Clinical trial results for the original monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (administered as a two-dose primary series) demonstrated that among vaccine recipients age 12–15 years, side effects during the 7 days after vaccination were commonly reported (90.9% of vaccine recipients reported a local reaction and 90.7% reported a systemic reaction). Most reactions were mild to moderate. Pain at the injection site was the most common local reaction. One in 10 reported a side effect that interfered with daily activities. Side effects usually resolved after 1–2 days. Systemic side effects (e.g., fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain) were more commonly reported after the second dose than after the first dose. No specific safety concerns were identified among adolescent vaccine recipients.
The safety and side effects of the 2026–2027 formulations are expected to be consistent with the previous formulations of the product.
Last reviewed:
October 18, 2026
The 2026–2027 Nuvaxovid (Sanofi-Novavax) vaccine is an option for any person age 12 years or older who is due for a 2026–2027 updated vaccination. CDC provides the following 2026–27 season dosing schedules (if using Nuvaxovid for all doses) for different ages and health conditions:
- Age 12 through 64 years, not moderately or severely immunocompromised: one 2026–2027 dose, at least 8 weeks after most recent dose from a previous season
- Age 65 years and older, not moderately or severely immunocompromised: two 2026–2027 doses 6 months apart (minimum interval 2 months)
- Age 12 years or older, moderately or severely immunocompromised:
- Previously unvaccinated: give 2 doses at least 3 weeks apart as an initial series, followed by a third dose about 6 months after dose 2 (minimum interval 2 months)
- Previously completed an initial series of any COVID-19 vaccine (2 doses of Novavax protein subunit vaccine or 3 doses of an mRNA vaccine): give first 2026–2027 dose at least 8 weeks after most recent COVID-19 vaccine from the previous season, then give a second dose about 6 months later (minimum interval, 2 months)
For dosing details, see CDC’s schedule at www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/vaccine-considerations/immunocompromised.html and, for children and adolescents, AAP’s schedule at www.aap.org/ImmunizationSchedule. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) endorses the CDC’s initial vaccination series for people with moderate or severe immunocompromise, though it does not routinely recommend a second dose during the season for those who have already had an initial series (it merely states that a second dose may extend protection). Immunize.org’s current standing orders templates cover all vaccine types in separate pediatric and adult documents: www.immunize.org/wp-content/uploads/catg.d/p3140a.pdf and www.immunize.org/wp-content/uploads/catg.d/p3140.pdf.
Last reviewed:
October 18, 2026
