Update on SAGE/WHO recommendations for the use of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccines

19/11/2021

On 19 November 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) published an update of the provisional recommendations of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE), for the use of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines produced by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. The updates are summarized below.

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine

  • Additional dose: The recent authorization of a third dose for immunocompromised individuals with certain underlying conditions is noted.

 

  • Interchangeability between vaccines and platforms: In situations of interrupted supply of the vaccine used for the first dose, a second heterologous dose of any of the vaccines included in the WHO emergency use list (EUL) may be considered.

 

  • Pregnant women: WHO now recommends the use of this vaccine in pregnant women.

 

  • Individuals with moderate and severe immunosuppression: WHO recommends an expanded primary series including a third dose (30 μg), 1–3 months after the second dose.

 

Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

  • Additional dose: The recent authorization of a third dose for immunocompromised individuals with certain underlying conditions is noted.

 

  • Interchangeability between vaccines and platforms: In situations of interrupted supply of the vaccine used for the first dose, a second heterologous dose of any of the vaccines included in the WHO emergency use list (EUL) may be considered.

 

  • Pregnant women: WHO now recommends the use of this vaccine in pregnant women.

 

  • Indication in children: The initial indication is extended; recommended for age 12 and up. In this regard, WHO recommends that countries consider the use of this vaccine in children aged 12 to 17 years only when high vaccine coverage with 2 doses has been obtained in the highest priority groups, including children aged 12 to 17 years with comorbidities who are in the group at highest risk of severe illness due to COVID-19.

 

  • Individuals with moderate and severe immunosuppression: WHO recommends an expanded primary series including a third dose (100 μg), 1–3 months after the second dose.

 

The updates are available at:

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-2019-nCoV-vaccines-SAGE_recommendation-BNT162b2-2021.1

 

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/interim-recommendations-for-use-of-the-moderna-mrna-1273-vaccine-against-covid-19

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