On June 24, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine as an option for children ages 6 years through 17 years, in addition to Moderna COVID-19 vaccines already recommended for use in children ages 6 months through 5 years and adults 18 years and older.
The Moderna vaccines for ages 6 years through 17 years currently come as two separate products: one for children ages 6 years through 11 years (supplied in a multiple-dose vial with a dark blue cap and purple border* and administered as 0.5 mL) and another for children ages 12 through 17 years (supplied in a multiple-dose vial with a red cap and light blue border and administered as 0.5mL). In children ages 6 years through 11 years, the primary series is 2 doses with a one-month interval between doses. Similarly, in children ages 12 years through 17 years, the primary series is 2 doses with a one-month interval between doses.
For those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, an additional primary dose (i.e., 3rd dose) is recommended for ages 6 years through 17 years. Additional primary doses should be administered using the age-appropriate Moderna product (for those who started their primary series with Moderna), with at least 1 month between the 2nd and 3rd doses.
The Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are not currently authorized to provide booster doses to individuals 6 years through 17 years of age.
*Note that the Moderna vaccine for ages 6 years through 11 years (dark blue cap and purple border) is labeled “BOOSTER DOSES ONLY” but is also recommended and approved for use in children ages 6 years through 11 years (pending release of a new age-specific label for the younger age group). This vial is used for the primary series in ages 6 years through 11 years and as booster dose only for ages 18 and older.
A FDA wallchart of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine presentations is available for easy viewing of the Moderna vaccine products.
The EUA fact sheet for providers should be reviewed thoroughly before initiating vaccinations for children 12 years through 17 years. The EUA fact sheet for recipients and caregivers must be provided to parents.
The EUA fact sheet for providers should be reviewed thoroughly before initiating vaccinations for children 6 years through 11 years. The EUA fact sheet for recipients and caregivers must be provided to parents.
Visit the WV COVID-19 Vaccination Due Date Calculator, a free, online tool that helps people figure out when they may be due for a COVID-19 shot and what type(s) of COVID-19 shots they are eligible to receive, making it easier to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccination.
For additional information on the COVID-19 vaccines, including a tip sheet on preventing vaccine errors, visit the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy at https://www.wvbop.com/.
For questions about this advisory, contact the Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services (OEPS) at 1-800-423-1271, ext. 1; 304-558-5358, ext. 2; or the 24/7 answering service at 304-342-5151.