Moderna BiValent Vaccine Information

Benefits of vaccination

The benefits of vaccination with Moderna greatly outweigh the risk of side effects. Very large clinical trials have shown that Moderna is effective in preventing COVID-19 in people aged 12 years and older.

Adults who had 2 doses of Moderna were about 94% less likely to become ill from COVID-19 than people who did not get the vaccine.

What is the effectiveness of the Moderna BiValent Vaccine?

Evidence suggests the Moderna (SPIKEVAX BIVALENT) BA.1 vaccine can provide cross-protection against variants and subvariants not included in the vaccine. 

Neutralisation titres against the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants were 1.7 times (95% CI 1.5 – 1.9) higher with the Moderna (SPIKEVAX BIVALENT) BA.1 vaccine compared with the Moderna (SPIKEVAX) vaccine, although absolute neutralisation titres were lower than those seen against the BA.1 variant.

When should I have my Moderna BiValent Booster?

Booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine should be given at least 6 months after the most recent COVID-19 vaccine dose or previous SARS-CoV-2 infection (whichever is the most recent) (ATAGI, 2023a).  

Is there a minimum Age to have the Moderna BiValent Booster?

ATAGI does not currently recommend use of the Moderna (SPIKEVAX BIVALENT) BA.1 vaccine as a booster in anyone under 18 years as it is not registered for this age group (ATAGI, 2022m). 

What Risks are associated with having the Vaccine?

Myocarditis and Pericarditis – The risk of myocarditis or pericarditis, a very rare adverse effect following the Moderna (SPIKEVAX BIVALENT) BA.1 vaccine has not yet been characterised, as this vaccine has not been used extensively in large populations. ATAGI states there is no reason to believe the safety of the Moderna (SPIKEVAX BIVALENT) BA.1 vaccine is any different to other Moderna mRNA vaccines (ATAGI, 2022m). 

Can I have Moderna if I have previously had Pfizer? 

Co-administration of Moderna bivalent vaccine with other non-COVID vaccines is acceptable, as per current Clinical recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines

Common side effects

Moderna is a very safe vaccine. It has been given to millions of people around the world.

As with any vaccine, you may have some temporary side effects after receiving the Moderna vaccine. 

This shows your immune system is working.

Common side effects after the Moderna vaccine include:

• pain at the injection site (77% of Individuals)

• tiredness (55% of individuals)

• headache (44% of individuals)

• muscle pain (40% of individuals)

• fever and chills

• joint pain.

Less common side effects after the Moderna vaccine include:

• redness or swelling at the injection site

• swelling or tenderness in the armpit

• nausea/vomiting

• enlarged lymph nodes.

Most side effects are mild and go away within 2 or 3 days.

Rare side effects

Rare side effects after the Moderna vaccine are severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), myocarditis and pericarditis. 

Myocarditis or pericarditis

In rare cases, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) and pericarditis (inflammation of the membrane around the heart) can develop after vaccination with the Moderna vaccine. 

These rare effects on the heart typically occur:

• within 1 to 5 days of vaccination

• particularly after the second dose

• more often in men aged under 40.

But they can occur in any gender, at any age, and after any dose.

Most cases have mild symptoms and recover well. 

Contact a doctor or go to hospital immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms after a Moderna vaccination: 

• chest pain

• pressure or discomfort in the chest

• irregular, skipped heartbeats or ‘fluttering’

• fainting

• shortness of breath

• pain when breathing.

Low risk of developing myocarditis or pericarditis

In the US, reported rates in males were 10 cases per million after first doses (0.0001%) , and 67 cases per million  (0.00067%) after second doses. 

The TGA is monitoring the risk in the Australian population and publishes weekly COVID-19 vaccine safety reports containing information about the TGA’s monitoring of COVID-19 vaccines.

What should I do if I develop Side Effects?

Click here for what to do if you have side effects. 

Fact sheets

Consumer Medication Information  

Find out more about myocarditis and pericarditis.

We have printable guidance on myocarditis and pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for providers. 

The Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre has a page on myocarditis and pericarditis that includes an explanatory video.

People who should not have the Moderna vaccine

It's not recommended that you have the Moderna vaccine if you have had:

• severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of an mRNA COVID19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer)

• anaphylaxis after exposure to any component of the vaccine, including polyethylene glycol (PEG)

• myocarditis and/or pericarditis attributed to a previous dose of a COVID-19 vaccine

• any other serious adverse event, that following review by an experienced immunisation provider or medical specialist was attributed to a previous dose of Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.

After your COVID-19 vaccination

Find out what to do after you are vaccinated for COVID-19, including how to get your vaccination certificate, what you need to do to stay safe, and what to do if you have side effects.

If you have been vaccinated with Moderna, you should still get a COVID-19 test if you have symptoms that meet testing criteria according to your local health authority (such as fever, cough, or sore throat).

Patient information

Our patient resources include fact sheets about the Moderna vaccine and what to expect after your shot. 

Source: ATAGI Guidelines and the Covid Vaccination Training Course