Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (2024–2025 Formula), brand name Comirnaty, is FDA-licensed for recipients age 12 years and older.
Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (2024–2025 Formula), brand name Spikevax, is FDA-licensed for recipients age 12 years and older.
Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine (2024–2025 Formula) is authorized for emergency use by FDA for individuals age 12 years and older.
Last reviewed:
November 16, 2024
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 2024–2025 formula approved in August 2024 are expected to be consistent with the previous formulations of the product.
Last reviewed:
November 16, 2024
Yes. The 2024–2025 formula Novavax vaccine is an option for any person age 12 years or older who is unvaccinated or was previously vaccinated with any COVID-19 vaccine and is due for a 2024–2025 updated vaccination. Any person age 12 years or older who has never had a dose of any COVID-19 vaccine should receive two doses of 2024–2025 Formula Novavax vaccine, administered 3 to 8 weeks apart, as a primary series.
Previously vaccinated adults age 65 years and older should receive one dose of 2024–2025 Formula Novavax COVID-19 vaccine and an additional dose of any current COVID-19 vaccine product 6 months (minimum interval 2 months) later.
Previously unvaccinated adults age 65 years and older who are not immunocompromised require a 2-dose primary series with the current 2024–2025 Formula Novavax vaccine and should receive an additional (third) dose of any 2024–2025 Formula COVID-19 vaccine product 6 months (minimum interval 2 months) after the second primary series dose.
Novavax recipients with moderate to severe immunocompromise being vaccinated for the first time should receive a third dose at least 2 months following the second dose in their primary series and may receive subsequent additional doses at the discretion of their healthcare provider, in consideration of their individual preferences and circumstances.
Additional details from FDA are available: www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/coronavirus-covid-19-cber-regulated-biologics/novavax-covid-19-vaccine-adjuvanted.
Last reviewed:
November 16, 2024
