COVID-19 Vaccines 2024-25 (United States)

The first chart below provides dosing and storage information for COVID-19 vaccines approved or authorized in the US. Links to the prescribing information and fact sheets (EUA) for healthcare professionals and the patient package insert are provided in footnote a. A second chart provides information and resources to help you address frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination.

--Information in this chart is from the US product information (prescribing information or fact sheet) cited in footnote a, unless otherwise cited.--

Vaccine

Dosing

Storage/Stability

Comirnaty (COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA)

2024 to 2025 formula (Omicron KP.2) for patients ≥12 years of age.

Pfizer-BioNTech

For patients ≥12 years of age:

  • Each dose is 0.3 mL (30 mcg) IM.
  • Administer ≥2 months after any previous COVID-19 vaccine dose.
  • Immunocompromised patients: see footnote b.
  • Prefilled glass syringe:
    • Store in refrigerator (2oC to 8oC).
    • Room temperature (8oC to 25oC): 12 hours total
  • Vials
    • May arrive frozen at ultra-cold temperatures in thermal containers with dry ice. May store in ultra-low temp freezer at -90oC to -60oC or transfer to refrigerator.
    • Refrigerator (2oC to 8oC):
      10 weeks.
    • Room temperature (8oC to 25oC): 12 hours total.

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA.

2024 to 2025 formula

(Omicron KP.2) for patients

5 years through 11 years of age.

Emergency Use Authorization

BLUE cap and label border.

For patients 5 years through 11 years of age.

  • Dose is 0.3 mL (10 mcg) IM.
  • Administer ≥2 months after any previous COVID-19 vaccine dose.
  • Immunocompromisedb individuals should receive at least three doses of COVID-19 vaccine, with at least one dose being the 2024-2025 formula. If not previously vaccinated for COVID-19, give three doses (week 0, week 3, and ≥4 weeks after the second dose). If previously vaccinated with one or two doses of any Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, complete the remaining dose(s) in the three-dose series as above. If previously vaccinated with ≥3 doses of any Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, give one dose ≥2 months after the last dose. One or more additional doses may be given.8
  • May arrive frozen at ultra-cold temperatures in thermal containers with dry ice. May store in ultra-low temp freezer at -90oC to -60oC or transfer to a refrigerator.
  • Refrigerator (2oC to 8oC): 10 weeks.
  • Room temperature (8oC to 25oC):
    12 hours total.

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA.

2024 to 2025 formula

(Omicron KP.2) for patients

6 months through 4 years of age

Emergency Use Authorization

YELLOW cap and label border

For patients 6 months through 4 years of age.

  • Dose is 0.3 mL [3 mcg] IM).
    • No previous COVID-19 vaccine: give three doses (at week 0, at week 3, and ≥8 weeks after the 2nd dose).
    • Previously vaccinated with one dose of any Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine: give two doses (≥3 weeks after receipt of the previous dose, and ≥8 weeks after the 2nd dose).
    • Previously vaccinated with ≥2 doses of any Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine: give a single dose ≥8 weeks after receipt of the last dose.
  • Immunocompromisedb individuals should receive at least three doses of COVID-19 vaccine, with at least one dose being the 2024-2025 formula.If not previously vaccinated for COVID-19, give three doses, as above. If previously vaccinated with one or two doses of any Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, complete the remaining dose(s) in the three-dose series as above. If previously vaccinated with ≥3 doses of any Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, give one dose ≥2 months after the last dose. One or more additional doses may be given.8
  • May arrive frozen at ultra-cold temperatures in thermal containers with dry ice. May store in ultra-low temp freezer at -90oC to -60oC or transfer to a refrigerator.
  • Refrigerator (2oC to 8oC): 10 weeks.
  • Room temperature (8oC to 25oC):
    12 hours total.

Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA.

2024 to 2025 formula (Omicron KP.2) for patients ≥12 years of age.

Moderna

For patients ≥12 years of age.

  • Dose is 0.5 mL (50 mg) IM.
  • Administer ≥2 months after any previous COVID-19 vaccine dose.
  • Immunocompromised patients: see footnote b.
  • Store frozen
    between -50oC and -15oC.
  • Refrigerator (2oC to 8oC): 60 days or until the expiration date on the carton, whichever is first.
  • Room temperature (8oC to 25oC): up to 12 hours after thawing.

Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA.

2024 to 2025 formula

(Omicron KP.2) for patients

6 months to 11 years of age

Emergency Use Authorization
  • 6 months through 4 years of age (dose is 0.25 mL
    [25 mcg]):
    • No previous COVID-19 vaccine: give two doses (at month 0 and at month 1).
    • Previously vaccinated with one dose of any Moderna COVID-19 vaccine: one dose ≥1 month after receipt of the previous dose.
    • Previously vaccinated with ≥2 doses of any Moderna COVID-19 vaccine: one dose ≥2 months after receipt of the last previous dose.
  • 5 years through 11 years of age (dose is 0.25 mL [25 mcg]): give one dose. If previously vaccinated for COVID-19, give ≥2 months after receipt of the last previous dose.
  • Immunocompromisedb individuals should receive at least three doses of COVID-19 vaccine, each dose ≥1 months apart, with at least one dose being the 2024-2025 formula.If previously vaccinated with ≥3 doses, give one dose ≥2 months after the last dose. One or more additional doses may be given.8
  • Store frozen between
    -50oC and -15oC.
  • Refrigerator (2oC to 8oC): 60 days or until the expiration date on the carton, whichever is first.
  • Room temperature (8oC to 25oC): up to 12 hours after thawing.

Abbreviations: EUA = Emergency Use Authorization; IM = intramuscular

  1. US prescribing information or fact sheet (for vaccines with EUA) used in creation of this chart, and corresponding patient package inserts for recipient/caregiver:
  1. Immunocompromise = solid organ transplant patients or similar level of immunocompromise. For a full list of CDC-recommended conditions and vaccination recommendations, see CDC guidance at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/covid-19-vaccines-us.html.

---Continue to the next section for a chart, “Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 Vaccination.”---

 

Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination

Question

Pertinent information or Suggested Resources

How do COVID-19 vaccines work?

Do mRNA vaccines affect DNA?
  • No. COVID-19 vaccines to not interact with DNA in any way.5

Can a COVID-19 vaccine cause a COVID-19 infection?
  • No. COVID-19 vaccines do not contain the COVID-19 virus.5

Can a patient get a COVID-19 vaccine if they have a COVID infection?
  • Patients with any respiratory virus should delay vaccination to avoid exposing healthcare providers and others to COVID.4
  • Patients can wait three months after symptom onset (or positive test if asymptomatic) to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.8
    • Reinfection is unlikely in the first three months post-infection.8
    • Delaying vaccination for three months may improve vaccine response.8
    • Reasons to get vaccinated sooner include high personal risk of severe disease, close contact with a person at high risk of severe disease, or high COVID-19 transmission in the community.4

How effective are COVID-19 vaccines?
  • COVID-19 vaccination is the best way to protect against serious COVID-19 illness, hospitalization, and death.15
    • Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is a safer and more reliable way to build immunity than getting a COVID-19 infection.15
  • For the most current CDC-authored vaccine effectiveness studies, see COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Monthly Update at https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccine-effectiveness.

Can COVID-19 vaccines be given with other vaccines?
  • Generally yes, but there are special considerations for mpox vaccination.8

What are some common adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines, and what can be done about them?
  • As with other vaccines, side effects are usually mild and go away in few days, if they occur at all.10
  • Common side effects include fatigue, muscle pain, headache, chills, nausea, fever, and pain, swelling, and redness in the arm where the vaccine was administered.10
  • It is not recommended to take analgesics before vaccination to prevent side effects, but they can be taken to treat side effects if they occur.10
  • For arm pain and swelling, a clean, cool, wet washcloth can be applied over the area. The patient should keep moving their arm.10

Do COVID-19 vaccines cause heart problems?
  • Many viruses, including COVID-19, can cause myocarditis and pericarditis.6
    • In one study, patients with COVID-19 had almost 16 times the risk of myocarditis compared with patients who did not have COVID-19.14
  • Although rare, the COVID-19 vaccine has been associated with myocarditis and pericarditis.6
    • Myocarditis associated with COVID-19 vaccination is less common and less severe than with COVID-19 infection.7
    • Most cases associated with COVID-19 vaccination are mild, transient, and resolve on their own.7
    • Among men 18 to 39 years of age, there were 65.7 cases per million doses of the second Moderna vaccine (original formulation).9 
  • Whether from the virus or vaccine, males 12 to 39 years of age appear to be at highest risk.6,9
  • Waiting at least 8 weeks between doses may decrease risk (the minimum dosing interval continued to be recommended for moderately or severely immunocompromised people or others with higher risk of severe diseas).8

Do COVID-19 vaccines cause Bell’s palsy?
  • A safety signal for Bell’s Palsy has not been detected.13

Can COVID-19 vaccines cause ischemic stroke?
  • The CDC and the FDA investigated a potential for increased risk of stroke associated with the Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine in adults ≥65 years of age after a preliminary safety signal was detected in the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) safety monitoring system. Other safety monitoring systems have not observed similar signals, and the current evidence does not support causality.12

Do COVID-19 vaccines cause Guillain-Barre syndrome?
  • mRNA COVID-19 vaccines do not seem to be associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome.11

Will COVID-19 vaccination cause a positive COVID test?
  • No.8

Can antibody testing be used to assess the need for COVID-19 vaccination?
  • This is not recommended. Vaccination should proceed regardless of the result.8
  • Antibody testing is appropriate in the context of a clinical trial.8

Do patients need to stick with the same vaccine every year?

What dose should a child receive if they transition from a younger to older age group between doses in a series?
  • Children who transition from age 4 years to age 5 years during the initial vaccination series should receive one dose of vaccine from the same manufacturer at the dosage for children ages 5 to 11 years of age on or after turning age 5 years of age:8
    • Moderna: one dose of 2024-2025 Moderna (0.25 mL/25 mcg) 4 to 8 weeks after the first dose; there is no dosage change.
    • Pfizer-BioNTech: one dose of 2024-2025 Pfizer-BioNTech (0.3 mL/10 mcg). If the 10 mcg dose is the second dose, administer 3 to 8 weeks after the first dose; if it is the third dose, administer at least 8 weeks after the second dose.

If immunocompromised:

  • Children who transition from 4 years of age to 5 years of age during the initial vaccination series should complete the 3-dose series using the dosage for children ages 5 to 11 years of age for all doses received on or after turning age 5 years of age:8
    • Moderna series: 2024-2025 Moderna, 0.25 mL/25 ug; there is no dosage change
    • Pfizer-BioNTech series: 2024-2025 Pfizer-BioNTech, 0.3 mL/10 ug
  • Children who transition from 11 years of age to 12 years of age during the initial vaccination series should complete the 3-dose series using the dosage for people ≥12 years of age for all doses received on or after turning age 12 years:8
    • Moderna series: 2024-2025 Moderna, 0.5 mL/50ug
    • Pfizer-BioNTech series: 2024-2025 Pfizer-BioNTech, 0.3 mL/30 ug

Do COVD-19 vaccines prevent “long COVID”?
  • Vaccination is the best available tool to prevent long COVID.1
  • Vaccination may reduce the risk of long COVID-19 by almost 50%.2.3

Can patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding get a COVID vaccine?
  • COVID-19 vaccinations is recommended for people who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant now, or who might become pregnant in the future, and people who are breastfeeding.8

References

  1. CDC. Long COVID basics. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/long-term-effects/index.html. (Accessed August 26, 2024).
  2. Trinh NT, Jödicke AM, Català M, et al. Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines to prevent long COVID: data from Norway. Lancet Respir Med. 2024 May;12(5):e33-e34.
  3. Al-Aly Z, Davis H, McCorkell L, et al. Long COVID science, research and policy. Nat Med. 2024 Aug;30(8):2148-2164.
  4. CDC. COVID-19 vaccine frequently asked questions. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/faq.html. (Accessed August 26, 2024).
  5. CDC. Myths and Facts About COVID-19 Vaccines. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/myths-facts.html. (Accessed August 26, 2024).
  6. Fairweather D, Beetler DJ, Di Florio DN, et al. COVID-19, Myocarditis and Pericarditis. Circ Res. 2023 May 12;132(10):1302-1319.
  7. Buoninfante A, Andeweg A, Genov G, Cavaleri M. Myocarditis associated with COVID-19 vaccination. NPJ Vaccines. 2024 Jun 28;9(1):122.
  8. CDC. Interim clinical considerations for use of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. Last reviewed August 23, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/interim-considerations-us.html#Interchangeability. (Accessed August 27, 2024).
  9. Wallace M, Moulia D, Blain AE, et al. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' Recommendation for Use of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine in Adults Aged ≥18 Years and Considerations for Extended Intervals for Administration of Primary Series Doses of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines - United States, February 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2022 Mar 18;71(11):416-421.
  10. CDC. Getting your COVID-19 vaccine. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/getting-your-covid-19-vaccine.html. (Accessed August 27, 2024).
  11. CDC. Selected adverse events reported after COVID-19 vaccination. Updated September 12, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/adverse-events.html. (Accessed August 27, 2024).
  12. CDC. CDC’s state of vaccine confidence insights report. August 21, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/downloads/sovc-quarter-1-2023.pdf. (Accessed August 27, 2024).
  13. Forshee R. Advisory Committee on immunization Practices. Update on original COVID-19 vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine, bivalent safety. February 24, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/meetings/downloads/slides-2023-02/slides-02-24/covid-03-forshee-508.pdf. (Accessed August 27, 2024).
  14. Boehmer TK, Kompaniyets L, Lavery AM, et al. Association Between COVID-19 and Myocarditis Using Hospital-Based Administrative Data - United States, March 2020-January 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2021 Sep 3;70(35):1228-1232.
  15. CDC. Benefits of getting vaccinated. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/benefits.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html. (Accessed August 27, 2024).

Cite this document as follows: Clinical Resource, COVID-19 Vaccines 2024-2025 (United States). Pharmacist’s Letter/Pharmacy Technician’s Letter/Prescriber Insights. August 2024. [400863]

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