Spikevax
Spikevax (Moderna COVID-19 vaccine) is an mRNA vaccine that's used to prevent infection from the virus that causes COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). It's FDA-approved for people 12 years and older and has an emergency use authorization (EUA) for children 6 months to 11 years of age. This vaccine is given as an injection into the muscle by a healthcare provider. You can get an updated Spikevax booster shot once you're fully vaccinated against the virus. Side effects can include pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, and muscle pain.
What is Spikevax?
What is Spikevax used for?
Prevention of COVID-19 infections in people 12 years and older
Prevention of COVID-19 infections in children 6 months to 11 years - EUA only
How Spikevax works
Spikevax is an mRNA vaccine. This vaccine contains lab-made mRNA (genetic information) that teaches your body to make a part of the "spike protein" found on the virus that causes COVID-19.
Your immune system recognizes that this harmless spike protein doesn't belong in your body. This triggers your immune system to make antibodies against the protein. The antibodies tell other immune cells to get rid of it.
Your immune system learns and remembers what the spike protein of the COVID-19 virus looks like. So when you get infected with the COVID-19 virus, your immune system is ready to fight and protect you from infection.
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What are the side effects of Spikevax?
Common Side Effects
- Pain at the injection site
- Feeling tired
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Chills
- Joint pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Swelling or tenderness of lymph nodes (glands) in the armpit of the injected arm
Other Side Effects
- Fever
- Redness or swelling at the injection site
- Swelling of lymph nodes at the injection site
- Lymph node pain
- Reactions at the injection site that happen more than 7 days after vaccination (e.g., pain, redness, swelling)
Serious Side Effects
- Heart inflammation (swelling): chest pain, shortness of breath, a racing heart
- Serious allergic reactions: trouble breathing; rash; hives; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Source: FDA
More on Spikevax side effects
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Heart muscle inflammation—unusual weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Pros and cons of Spikevax
Pros
Recommended by the CDC to prevent COVID-19 infection
Authorized for children 6 months of age and older
Need only 1 shot to be fully vaccinated for people 5 years and older
Cons
Doesn't guarantee that you won't get COVID-19 (but helps lessen severity)
Commonly causes temporary pain at injection site, muscle pain, and tiredness
Pharmacist tips for Spikevax
Spikevax is injected into your muscle by a healthcare provider at an office, clinic, or pharmacy.
Spikevax can cause mild side effects like pain at the injection site, tiredness, muscle aches, fever, and chills. These are normal signs that your immune system is working to build protection against the virus. Side effects should go away on their own within a few days.
You can hold a cool, wet washcloth over the area where you got your Spikevax shot to help relieve any pain you might feel. Moving your arm around can also help lessen arm soreness.
Remember to get some rest and take it easy if you have a fever after your Spikevax vaccination. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated if you have a fever.
Before you get your Spikevax injection, it isn't recommended to take any over-the-counter medications, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), to try to prevent side effects. We don't know how these medications might affect how well the vaccine works. If needed, ask your provider about possible medication options for you after you get your vaccine to help with any side effects you have.
Call your provider if any side effects get worse after 24 hours of getting the vaccine or if they don't seem to go away after a few days.
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Frequently asked questions about Spikevax
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What are the risks and warnings for Spikevax?
Spikevax can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Heart inflammation (swelling)
Risk factors: Males between 18 and 24 years | Second dose of Spikevax
Although rare, Spikevax can raise the risk of heart inflammation, such as myocarditis (swelling of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (swelling of the tissue lining the outside of the heart).
From reported data, this risk seems higher in males between 18 and 24 years old after their second Spikevax shot and particularly within the first week after vaccination. Most people who have heart inflammation from the vaccine recover after they get medical attention.
Let your provider know right away if you have possible signs of heart inflammation, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or a racing heart.
Fainting
Some people have fainted shortly after getting vaccines that are injected into the muscle. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of fainting after vaccinations. Your provider can keep a close eye on you for about 15 minutes after you get Spikevax. To prevent injuries from fainting, it's best to sit down while you're getting your vaccine and while your provider is monitoring you.
Lowered response in people with a weakened immune system
Risk factors: Conditions that lower the immune system | Taking medications that lower the immune system
People with a weakened immune system might have a lowered response to Spikevax. This includes people with certain conditions that weaken the immune system or those who are taking medications that can lower the immune system (e.g., organ transplant, cancer medications, long-term corticosteroid use).
Continue to take the necessary precautions to prevent COVID-19 infection if you have a weak immune system. Let your provider know about your medical history and medication list. Your provider can discuss more ways to help protect yourself from infection.
Spikevax dosage forms
Typical dosing for Spikevax
Spikevax is injected into the muscle by a healthcare provider.
For people 12 years and older, each injection has 0.5 mL of medication.
For children 6 months to 11 years, each injection has 0.25 mL of medication.
Discuss with your healthcare provider about whether Spikevax is appropriate for you and when to get your dose(s).
Primary series (for people who haven't been previously vaccinated with any COVID-19 vaccine)
Adults and children 5 years and older: The typical dose is 1 injection into the muscle.
Children 6 months to 4 years: In general, the typical dose is 1 injection into the muscle. This is followed by a second dose a month later.
Certain children with a weakened immune system: Speak with your healthcare provider about your child's dosing schedule for Spikevax. Sometimes, your child might need additional doses.
Booster dose (for people who've been previously vaccinated with any COVID-19 vaccine): The typical dose is 1 injection into the muscle at least 2 months after your most recent COVID-19 vaccine dose.
Note: The CDC recommendations about the timing of Spikevax vaccine doses might be different. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how many Spikevax shots you need and when to get them.
How much does Spikevax cost?
Spikevax contraindications
Previous severe allergic reaction to Spikevax
What are alternatives to Spikevax?
Prevention of COVID-19 infections in people 12 years and older
Prevention of COVID-19 infections in children 6 months to 11 years - EUA only
Prevention of COVID-19 infection in people aged 12 years and older
Prevention of COVID-19 infections in people ages 12 and older
Prevention of COVID-19 infections in children ages 6 months to 11 years - EUA only
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References
Best studies we foundAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). COVID-19 vaccination considerations for obstetric–gynecologic care.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Fainting (syncope) after vaccination.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Clinical considerations: Myocarditis and pericarditis after receipt of COVID-19 vaccines among adolescents and young adults.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). COVID-19 vaccines while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Getting your COVID-19 vaccine.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). How to protect yourself and others.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Interim clinical considerations for use of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How mRNA COVID-19 vaccines work.
COVID Data Tracker. (2024). COVID-19 update for the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
ModernaTX, Inc. (n.d.). Spikevax that body.
Moderna US, Inc. (2024). Spikevax (COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA) suspension for injection, for intramuscular use [package insert]. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). FDA takes action on updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines to better protect against currently circulating variants.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
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