What is the difference between Spikevax and mNEXSPIKE?
Moderna has developed mNEXSPIKE, a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine that uses only one-fifth the dose of their current Spikevax vaccine. This lower dose is possible due to a more targeted design that creates a focused immune response.
Key Differences Between Spikevax and mNEXSPIKE
Vaccine Technology:
Spikevax:
- Codes for the whole spike protein of SARS-CoV-2
- Uses 50 mcg mRNA dose.
mNEXSPIKE:
- Codes only for the N-terminal domain and the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein
- Uses much smaller dose: 10 mcg vs 50 mcg with Spikevax
- The more targeted vaccine formulation allows for administration of a smaller mRNA dose (10 mcg/0.2 mL).
Eligibility:
Spikevax:
- 65 years of age and older
- 6 months through 64 years of age with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19.
mNEXSPIKE:
- Adults ≥65 years old
- Adults and adolescents aged 12 through 64 years who have a condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19.
Related questions
- Can you become immune to COVID-19?
- COVID-19 vaccines and variants: What you should know
- Can you have Covid without a fever?
Effectiveness:
Clinical trials showed:
- After a median follow-up of 8 months, the incidence of COVID-19 occurring ≥2 weeks after immunization was 9.9% with mNEXSPIKE and 10.8% with Spikevax
- Seroresponse rates and geometric mean neutralizing antibody titer levels were higher with mNEXSPIKE.
Practical Differences:
Storage:
- mNEXSPIKE can be refrigerated for up to 90 days vs. Spikevax's 60 days
- mNEXSPIKE stable at room temperature for 24 hours vs. Spikevax's 12 hours.
Dosing:
- mNEXSPIKE vaccine is supplied in 10 mcg/0.2 mL prefilled syringes
- Spikevax vaccine is supplied as 25 mcg/0.25 mL prefilled syringes (6 months through 11 years of age) and 50 mcg/0.5 mL prefilled syringes (12 years of age and older).
Bottom Line
mNEXSPIKE is a next-generation vaccine that targets specific parts of the spike protein, allowing for a much lower dose while potentially providing better immune responses.
References
- COVID-19 Update: mNEXSPIKE — A New Moderna mRNA Vaccine for COVID-19. The Medical letter. July 21, 2025. https://secure.medicalletter.org/TML-article-1733h
- mNEXSPIKE Prescribing Information. https://www.fda.gov/files/vaccines%2C%20blood%20%26%20biologics/published/Package-Insert-MNEXSPIKE.pdf
- Spikevax Prescribing Information. https://static.modernatx.com/pm/6cef78f8-8dad-4fc9-83d5-d2fbb7cff867/5efa7d9d-05e8-46b5-945a-637c2867bd00/5efa7d9d-05e8-46b5-945a-637c2867bd00_viewable_rendition__v.pdf
Read next
Is obesity a major risk factor for Covid-19?
Obesity is a major risk factor for covid-19 and people who are obese are more likely than those who are not obese to contract Covid-19 at a younger age, develop severe Covid-19, require hospitalization, oxygen, mechanical ventilation, intubation, or admission into ICU, end up in hospital sooner, or die from Covid-19. Continue reading
COVID-19: Why is social distancing so important?
Besides protecting yourself and those in your family, social distancing and wearing a mask when you test positive for COVID-19 can help protect those in your community., including high-risk groups like the elderly or those with weak immune systems. Continue reading
Does Zinc protect you from Covid-19 or boost your immune system?
Few trials have been conducted that examine the role zinc supplementation or low zinc levels play in Covid-19. Spanish doctors found that people with low zinc levels admitted to hospital with Covid-19 tended to fare worse than those with healthier levels and numerous studies have reported benefits for zinc in people with the common cold. Zinc is an essential mineral that we have to obtain from diet or supplements. It supports normal growth and development during childhood, adolescence, and pregnancy; is responsible for the activity of more than 300 different enzymes in our body; is vital for our immune system functioning; and is important for wound healing.
Continue readingSee also:
Related medical questions
- Which breathing techniques help with COVID-19?
- How effective is Lagevrio (molnupiravir) for COVID-19?
- Is Omicron worse than Delta?
- Should I wear a face mask to protect myself from COVID-19?
- Why do more men die from coronavirus?
- Can ivermectin be used to treat COVID-19?
- Can you take Ibuprofen if you have COVID-19 (coronavirus)?
- What antibiotics kill Covid-19 (coronavirus)?
- COVID-19: What are the Stages and Causes of Death?
- What's the difference between Bacteria and Viruses?
- How do I Treat Nasal Congestion with COVID-19?
- Does Losartan block COVID-19 Coronavirus Receptors?
- An Update: Is hydroxychloroquine effective for COVID-19?
- Does Paxlovid make you less contagious?
- Does Tamiflu (oseltamivir) work on COVID-19?
- Where can I buy an at-home test kit for COVID-19?
- Can you take Paxlovid twice if COVID rebounds?
- Can vitamin C prevent or treat COVID-19 (coronavirus)?
- Does Mucinex help with Covid?
- What are JAK inhibitors and how do they work?
- Should I take Paxlovid after a Positive COVID-19 Test?
- Can I take NyQuil with COVID or after the COVID vaccine?
- How long does COVID-19 last? and other COVID-19 FAQ