MEDICAL ADVISORY: Temporary Interruption in Supply of Moderna Spikevax monovalent 25 mcg vaccine (6 months – 4 years of age)
Issued by: M. Mustafa Hirji, MD MPH FRCPC, Medical Officer of Health & Commissioner (Acting)
Date: February 23, 2023
Canada is currently experiencing a temporary interruption in the supply of Moderna Spikevax monovalent 25 mcg vaccine (6 months – 4 years of age) for approximately six weeks. This means that after March 8, 2023, the date current lots of vaccine expire, there will be a temporary period where there is no Moderna Spikevax for this age group available.
In light of this, the options below may be considered though clinical discretion based on individual circumstances is advised.
Individuals wishing to receive a 2nd or 3rd dose during the time of the anticipated interruption in supply
Three options can be outlined for those in need of a subsequent dose of Moderna Spikevax (monovalent 25 mcg) product:
- Delay receipt of next dose until supply is restored: this is a feasible and safe option. Note that a delayed dose is valid and does not require a repeated dose.
- Provide subsequent dose prior to March 9, 2023 (as long as the minimal interval of 28 days is met):
a shortened interval may be preferred in some circumstances, such as for individuals who are immunocompromised or require immunization prior to travel. However, in general, research on COVID-19 mRNA vaccines has found that longer intervals have led to stronger and longer lasting immunity, so providing a dose early may compromise the benefit of the vaccination.
- Provide a Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty dose (applicable to those who may present to a clinic/walk in during the time where no Moderna Spikevax monovalent 25 mcg vaccine is available or prefer a dose during this interval). Use of the same product (i.e., Moderna Spikevax or Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty) as the first dose to complete the primary series continues to be preferred wherever possible. However, note that if in this age group, different products are
used (i.e., a mix of Moderna Spikevax and Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty), doses are still considered valid. In the situation where both products are used, completion of the primary series requires three doses. While this may be less preferred, if an individual faces barriers returning to the clinic in the short term, providing a dose using a mixed series is a better alternative to a missed vaccine opportunity and no additional dose.
Email communication outlining options will be sent out by the Ministry of Health to parents and/or guardians of individuals who are eligible or who will be eligible to receive a 2nd dose during this time so they can make decisions accordingly and avoid presenting to a clinic for a Moderna Spikevax dose during the expected gap in supply.
Individuals wishing to receive a 1st dose
- Moderna Spikevax (monovalent 25 mcg) can continue to be offered until March 8 and once the temporary interruption in supply has ended (which should be in time for a second dose).
- For those who may present to a clinic (e.g., walk-ins) during the time of a gap in supply or prefer initiating a primary series during this time specifically, the Pfizer-BioNTech product is available and can be used as part of a three-dose series.
Storage and
handling of Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 diluent
- Diluent should be stored between +20°C to +25°C (diluent may be stored at +2°C to +20°C for up to five days). If temperatures are outside of this range, call the Vaccine Preventable Disease program at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7396. Storage outside of this range must be tracked and assessed by the manufacturer prior to use.
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