Is the recommended dose of the Moderna (mRNA-1273) COVID-19 vaccine 2 doses of 0.25mL in 2024?

COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations for 2024: Moderna Dosing

No, the recommended dose of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in 2024 is NOT 2 doses of 0.25mL. According to the 2024-2025 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations, most people need only 1 dose of the 2024-2025 Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to be considered up to date 1.

Current Recommendations by Population Group

For Immunocompetent Individuals:

• Adults and children ≥5 years who were previously vaccinated:

  • Only 1 dose of 2024-2025 Moderna vaccine is recommended 1
  • The dose should be administered ≥8 weeks after the last COVID-19 vaccine dose

• Unvaccinated adults and children ≥5 years:

  • Only 1 dose of 2024-2025 Moderna vaccine is recommended 1

• Children 6 months-4 years:

  • If unvaccinated: 2 doses of Moderna with 4-8 weeks between doses 1
  • If previously received 1 dose of Moderna: 1 additional dose 4-8 weeks after first dose
  • If previously received ≥2 doses of Moderna: 1 dose ≥8 weeks after last dose

For Immunocompromised Individuals:

• All ages ≥6 months:
  • At least 1 dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine 1
  • Unvaccinated individuals aged 6 months-11 years: 3-dose series of mRNA vaccine
  • Unvaccinated individuals aged ≥12 years: 3 doses of mRNA vaccine or 2 doses of Novavax
  • Those who have completed an initial series and received at least 1 dose of 2024-2025 vaccine may receive 1 additional dose at least 2 months after the last dose 1

Important Clinical Considerations

The 2024-2025 recommendations represent a significant shift from previous years' vaccination strategies. Instead of multiple doses for primary series in most populations, the current approach focuses on a single updated dose that targets the Omicron JN.1 lineage variants for most individuals 1.

This change reflects the evolving nature of COVID-19 immunity in the population, with most people having some baseline immunity either from previous vaccination or infection. The single-dose approach has demonstrated effectiveness, with vaccine effectiveness of 33% against COVID-19-associated emergency department/urgent care visits and 45-46% against hospitalization in immunocompetent adults aged ≥65 years 2.

Special Considerations

• Dosing interval: If receiving multiple doses, maintain the recommended intervals (4-8 weeks for Moderna in young children) 1
• Vaccine effectiveness: The 2024-2025 vaccines have shown effectiveness against COVID-19-associated hospitalizations, with VE of 40% in adults ≥65 years with immunocompromising conditions 2
• Vaccine selection: Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Novavax (for ≥12 years) are all acceptable options 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Using outdated dosing schedules: The 2024-2025 recommendations differ from previous years, with most people needing only 1 dose
2. Missing additional doses for immunocompromised individuals: These patients may benefit from additional doses beyond the standard recommendation
3. Confusing the pediatric dosing schedule: Children 6 months-4 years still need multiple doses if unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated
4. Not allowing sufficient time between doses: When multiple doses are indicated, proper spacing is essential for optimal immune response

The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccination approach has been simplified for most individuals while maintaining additional protection for those at highest risk of severe outcomes.