COVID-19 Vaccination Updates: Updated Pfizer and Moderna Vaccines
28 October 2023 | Vaccinations | MOH Cir 76/2023
Summary
1. Background
October 2023 circular updating COVID-19 vaccination strategy with new XBB.1.5 variant-targeted vaccines. Updated Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty and Moderna/Spikevax vaccines replace earlier versions. New vaccines available from 30 October 2023, progressively rolling out. Changes also to additional dose recommendations for 2023/2024.
2. Updated Vaccines Available
- Vaccine Strains: XBB.1.5 variant-targeted formulations
- Manufacturers:
- Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty (XBB.1.5)
- Moderna/Spikevax (XBB.1.5)
- Age Groups: Approved for ages 6 months and above (both primary and booster)
- Rollout Schedule:
- Pfizer XBB.1.5 from 30 Oct 2023 (ages 5+)
- Moderna XBB.1.5 follows progressively
- Ages 6-23 months follow after initial rollout
3. Immunogenicity and Safety Profile
- Antibody Response: Updated XBB.1.5 vaccines generate higher antibody titres against current and emerging strains (XBB.1.5, EG.5, BA.2.86) vs older vaccine versions
- Expected Protection: Better protection against newer SARS-CoV-2 strains due to updated target
- Safety: Safety profiles expected comparable to previous COVID-19 vaccine versions
- Duration: Updated vaccine benefits expected throughout 2023/2024 season
4. 2023/2024 Additional Dose Recommendations
- Eligible Groups: Specific risk groups recommended for additional doses (refer to circular annex for complete list)
- Timing: Spacing guidelines from prior vaccination doses specified
- Dosing: Standard doses as per product specifications
- Special Populations: Healthcare workers, ILTC residents, immunocompromised individuals prioritised
5. Transition from Prior Vaccines
- Prior Doses: Individuals with prior COVID-19 vaccine history can receive updated XBB.1.5 doses
- Timing: Spacing from most recent dose per ECI recommendations
- Effectiveness: Updated vaccines provide incremental benefit over prior vaccination
6. Action for Your Practice
- Transition to XBB.1.5 vaccines as they become available in your practice
- Counsel eligible patients on updated vaccine benefits vs older versions
- Document vaccine type (Pfizer or Moderna) and strain (XBB.1.5) in records
- Identify eligible patients for 2023/2024 additional doses (age, risk group, time since last dose)
- Coordinate supply; phased rollout may mean temporary shortages
- Maintain cold chain per vaccine manufacturer specifications
- Counsel on timing relative to other vaccinations/treatments
7. Implementation Timeline
- Start: 30 Oct 2023 (Pfizer age 5+)
- Progressive Rollout: Moderna and younger age groups follow
- Campaign: Throughout 2023/2024 season
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𝟭. 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱
October 2023 circular updating COVID-19 vaccination strategy with new XBB.1.5 variant-targeted vaccines. Updated Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty and Moderna/Spikevax vaccines replace earlier versions. New vaccines available from 30 October 2023, progressively rolling out. Changes also to additional dose recommendations for 2023/2024.
𝟮. 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲
• Vaccine Strains: XBB.1.5 variant-targeted formulations • Manufacturers: • Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty (XBB.1.5) • Moderna/Spikevax (XBB.1.5) • Age Groups: Approved for ages 6 months and above (both primary and booster) • Rollout Schedule: • Pfizer XBB.1.5 from 30 Oct 2023 (ages 5+) • Moderna XBB.1.5 follows progressively • Ages 6-23 months follow after initial rollout
𝟯. 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗼𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲
• Antibody Response: Updated XBB.1.5 vaccines generate higher antibody titres against current and emerging strains (XBB.1.5, EG.5, BA.2.86) vs older vaccine versions • Expected Protection: Better protection against newer SARS-CoV-2 strains due to updated target • Safety: Safety profiles expected comparable to previous COVID-19 vaccine versions • Duration: Updated vaccine benefits expected throughout 2023/2024 season
𝟰. 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
• Eligible Groups: Specific risk groups recommended for additional doses (refer to circular annex for complete list) • Timing: Spacing guidelines from prior vaccination doses specified • Dosing: Standard doses as per product specifications • Special Populations: Healthcare workers, ILTC residents, immunocompromised individuals prioritised
Documents
Circular