A updated Moderna COVID-19 vaccination has been approved for use in Australia.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has authorised the use of the SPINEVAX JN.1 vaccine for people aged over 12.
The vaccine targets the JN.1 group of Omicron subvariants of coronavirus. Its approval for use follows recommendations from the World Health Organization’s advisory group on COVID-19 vaccines that immunisations be updated to target this specific variant for the 2024/25 season.
General manager of Moderna Australia Michael Azrak said the approval of the vaccine was an important step in efforts to protect Australians against the virus.
“Unlike the flu, which is seasonal, COVID-19 circulates year-round and as we’ve seen in the Northern Hemisphere summer just passed, multiple waves of infection occur each year, putting pressure on healthcare systems and increasing the risk for vulnerable Australians,” he said.
The JN.1 variants remain dominant in many parts of the world, including Australia. Vaccines remain a crucial tool in ongoing efforts to protect against severe illness and hospitalisation due to COVID-19.
The virus was the leading cause of acute respiratory infection-related death in Australia for people aged over 60 in 2022-2024, Australia Bureau of Statistics data show.
As of October 6, some 1,903 COVID-19 associated deaths were recorded in Australia this year, with the majority aged over 60.
There were 128 deaths recorded for those aged 60-69 and 1,695 recorded for those aged 70 or over.
Rates of COVID-19 related deaths were more than four times higher than deaths from the flu, which stood at 461 for the year at the same date.
Moderna plans to begin supplying the updated vaccine across Australia in early 2025 ahead of next winter.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommends COVID-19 booster vaccines every 12 months in adults aged 18 and over and every six to 12 months for those aged 65 and older.
People with weakened immune systems are recommended to have a booster dose ever 12 months from 5 to 18 years old, and every six to 12 months from 18 to 65.
Those aged 75 years and older should get a booster ever six months.
GPs should be aware of some side effects associated with the vaccine, including injection site pain, fatigue, headache, nausea, fever, vomiting, myalgia and arthralgia.
Moderna states adverse reactions are usually mild or moderate in intensity and resolve within a few days of vaccination.