Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #112

[303gmf]

I found it hilarious. We were in a private room and discussing the wayward direction of the CDC. It was a joke.

I love a provider with a sense of humor!!
If they hadn’t said I sure would have, then ask for a Tylenol if not pg

 

[otto]

I think some are confusing the reason why it's different with the fact that it is different. I think my answer might add more confusion so stick with me here. I hope to clear this up for folks.

No, it's not different from the former vaccine (if by former, you mean last year's 2024/2025 Spikevax formula) because it includes the LP8.1 dose. IOW, that's not the reason it's different.

The reasons it's different than last year's 2024/2025 Spikevax formula, and also this years (2025/2026) Spikevax formula, is this:

• mNEXSPIKE - Its streamlined vaccine design aims to target key parts of the spike protein rather than the entire spike protein, and at a lower dose. SOURCE
• mNEXSPIKE showed a 9.3% higher relative vaccine efficacy compared to Spikevax. SOURCE
• mNEXSPIKE is for people 65 and older or ages 12–64 at high risk for severe COVID-19. SOURCE

Now, WITH ALL THAT SAID... YES, it includes the LP8.1 dose.

Each 0.2 mL dose of MNEXSPIKE (2025-2026 Formula) contains 10 mcg nucleoside-modifiedmessenger RNA (mRNA) encoding the N-terminal domain (NTD) and receptor-binding domain(RBD) of the Spike glycoprotein of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant sublineage LP.8.1 SOURCE

BOTTOM LINE TAKEAWAYS - Both Moderna's mNEXSPIKE and Spikevax will always target what variants are most recently circulating. In that they are the SAME. What's different is that mNEXSPIKE targets key parts of the spike protein (vs the entire spike protein like Spikevax does), has a higher efficacy than Spikevax, and at a lower dose, and intended for those at a higher risk than the general population (65+ and those 12+ with health risks).

Hopefully that clears things up for folks.

Yes, that clears it up. Thank you. That means that the mNexspike is not available in Canada. I was hoping it was available, albeit explained differently, but that is not the case.

 

[Gemmie]

Yes, that clears it up. Thank you. That means that the mNexspike is not available in Canada. I was hoping it was available, albeit explained differently, but that is not the case.

You're very welcome.

Here's what I think is going on with Canada. Sure, I could be wrong, but I THINK it's due to whoever makes the decisions on which vaccines to bring in/administer, aren't quite as versed/in the know as some of us are.

AI said:

While mnexspike is approved in the United States, it is not available in Canada because Health Canada has approved a different, updated version of the Moderna vaccine for the 2025-2026 season.
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That is the exact answer I posted about a week or so ago that a local pharmacist made. "We're only carrying Moderna's Spikevax". IMO it's because they think only 1 is necessary. I'll put a LOT of money on the fact that I doubt they realize that there is a big difference between the 2.

What I'd do is contact Health Canada and explain that there is a difference between Moderna's Spikevax and their mNEXSPIKE. It's the same basic formula in that it targets the same variants, but mNEX was formulated to have a higher efficacy, which benefits the elderly and those 12+ at high risk. I'd give them the details in my post above, along with the links as they can't take some person off the internet's word for it, and ask if they'd reconsider their decision thinking that perhaps the decision maker didn't realize that there is a distinct difference between the 2.

I'd also recommend contacting Moderna and explain the issue in Canada and ask if they'd explain to Health Canada that there is a difference between the 2, and mNEX keeps their elderly population, and those younger at high risk better protected. I can see Moderna wanting to do that if they realize why they might be unable to sell mNEX in Canada. If they can educated Health Canada on the difference, they'll be able to sell more. Win/win for EVERYONE IMO.

The informational post I'd use is HERE. I have to believe the powers that be just don't realize there is a BIG difference or they'd opt to bring in both.

Good luck.