mRNA Vaccines Recommended This Season
Yes, mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent boosters) are recommended this season for eligible individuals aged ≥5 years, administered ≥2 months after completing the primary series or after receipt of a monovalent booster dose 1.
Current Recommendations
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has established clear guidance for mRNA vaccine use:
COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines (Currently Recommended)
For most persons aged ≥5 years:
- Bivalent booster doses of Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech are authorized and recommended 1
- Timing: ≥2 months after last primary series or monovalent booster dose
- For ages 5-11 years: Either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent booster
- For ages 12-17 years: Either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent booster
- For ages ≥18 years: Either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent booster
For immunocompromised persons:
- Enhanced primary series schedules with 3 doses are recommended
- Followed by bivalent booster eligibility at the same intervals 1
Influenza mRNA Vaccines (Emerging Technology)
While mRNA influenza vaccines show promising results in recent Phase 3 trials—with mRNA-1010 demonstrating 26.6% superior efficacy compared to standard-dose influenza vaccines in adults ≥50 years 2—these are not yet approved or recommended for routine use this season. The technology remains investigational despite encouraging immunogenicity data 3, 4.
Important Clinical Considerations
Common pitfall to avoid: Do not confuse the availability of mRNA technology for COVID-19 with current seasonal influenza vaccination. Standard inactivated or recombinant influenza vaccines remain the recommended options for influenza prevention this season.
Timing consideration: Persons who recently had SARS-CoV-2 infection may consider delaying their booster dose by 3 months from symptom onset or positive test result 1.
Reactogenicity profile: The bivalent mRNA COVID-19 boosters maintain the established safety profile of previous mRNA formulations, with expected local and systemic reactions that are generally mild to moderate and transient 1.