What to know about Moderna’s new ‘mNexspike’ COVID-19 vaccine

The FDA has approved a new COVID-19 vaccine developed by Moderna, offering a lower-dose option aimed at older adults and people with underlying health risks. The vaccine, named mNexspike, is part of a push toward next-generation coronavirus protection.

Here are the five key takeaways from the announcement:

1. mNexspike is a lower-dose next-generation vaccine

Moderna says the new formula uses only one-fifth of the dose in its current COVID-19 shot. That’s possible thanks to a more precise immune target that helps trigger protection without requiring a large amount of vaccine material.

2. It’s approved for older adults and high-risk individuals

The FDA’s approval covers two main groups:

1. Adults age 65 and older
2. People between the ages of 12 and 64 who have at least one health condition that increases their risk for severe COVID-19

3. Clinical trials show promising results

A study involving 11,400 participants found the vaccine to be safe and at least as effective, or even more effective in some measures, than the original Moderna vaccine.

4. It will be available alongside Moderna’s original shot in fall 2025

Moderna says it plans to offer both the mNexspike and its already approved vaccine starting in the fall. The original shot remains available for people ages 6 months and older.

5. The news comes as federal vaccine policy shifts

Just days before the FDA approval, the Trump administration canceled funding for Moderna’s separate vaccine program aimed at future pandemic flu threats, including H5N1 bird flu. That program had shown promise in early studies.

At the same time, the CDC has dropped its blanket recommendation for children to receive COVID-19 vaccines, though it still advises most adults and immunocompromised kids to stay protected.