Earlier this year, the FDA advised manufacturers that the 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccines for use beginning in fall 2026 should target the monovalent JN.1 lineage XFG variant. Similar to last year, the expected products include Pfizer's Comirnaty® and Moderna's Spikevax® and mNEXSPIKE®.
Earlier this year, the FDA advised manufacturers that the 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccines for use beginning in fall 2026 should target the monovalent JN.1 lineage XFG variant. Similar to last year, the expected products include Pfizer's Comirnaty® and Moderna's Spikevax® and mNEXSPIKE®.
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As nursing homes prepare for the 2026–2027 vaccination season, here are the latest updates on the upcoming COVID-19 vaccines.
Earlier this year, the FDA advised manufacturers that the 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccines for use beginning in fall 2026 should target the monovalent JN.1 lineage XFG variant. Similar to last year, the expected products include Pfizer's Comirnaty® and Moderna's Spikevax® and mNEXSPIKE®.
These vaccines are approved for adults 65 years of age and older, as well as eligible individuals under 65 who have at least one underlying condition that places them at higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Spikevax® will continue to offer a pediatric formulation for eligible children ages 6 months through 11 years.
Comirnaty® will be available for eligible children ages 5 through 11 years.
mNEXSPIKE® is indicated for eligible individuals ages 12 through 64 years, as well as adults 65 years and older.
Dosing and Administration
Product NDC and Billing Codes
*Administration CPT code for all vaccines: 90480
As you prepare for vaccine clinics, now is the time to ensure resident eligibility has been confirmed, consent forms have been completed, and standing orders have been reviewed and updated.
Vaccine ordering instructions, pricing, consent forms, and Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) will be made available as we approach official FDA approval.
Preparing documentation, billing information, administration codes, and clinic workflows in advance will help ensure a smooth and successful COVID-19 vaccination season.
Earlier this year, the FDA advised manufacturers that the 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccines for use beginning in fall 2026 should target the monovalent JN.1 lineage XFG variant. Similar to last year, the expected products include Pfizer's Comirnaty® and Moderna's Spikevax® and mNEXSPIKE®.
Summer at SpecialtyRx: Prioritizing Safety, Preparedness & Continuity of Care
As temperatures rise and weather conditions become more unpredictable, SpecialtyRx takes proactive steps to ensure the safety, efficacy, and availability of medications across all of our facilities — especially in regions where heat and extreme weather are seasonal challenges.
July 2024
New COVID-19 Vaccine 2024-25 Formulation
On June 5, 2024, the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBAC) and FDA panel met and unanimously voted for the JN.1 strain for the new fall 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine formulation. A week later, based on updated data, the FDA asked the vaccine manufacturers to focus on the KP.2 and KP.3 strains of the JN.1 lineage as they are becoming the more dominant strains. It is anticipated that the change requested by the FDA will not cause any delays in the manufacturing of the new formulations.
January 2025
CMS Revised Long Term Care Survey Guidance
As we start off 2025, it is important to review any changes that will take place with regards to CMS surveys and other regulatory updates. The CMS has updated the survey guidance and revised the State Operations Manual that will be effective as of February 24, 2025. Surveyors will begin using the new guidance for all surveys as of the above effective date. The goal is to streamline the survey process and eliminate overlapping citations. The following are some of the guidances that have been revised. Your team should review and ensure that changes in your processes have been made to maintain compliance with new standards.