Presentation
Spikevax bivalent Original/Omicron BA. 4-5 (50 micrograms/50 micrograms)/mL dispersion for injection is presented in 2.5mL multi-dose vials in a ready to administer form. We refer to it as Spikevax Original/Omicron BA.4-5 in our web articles and SOPs.
Spikevax Original/Omicron BA.4-5 is thawed by the NHS’s Specialist Pharmaceutical Logistics (SPL) providers before onward supply to the NHS at 2-8°C. The SPLs supply whole thawed cartons each containing 10 multidose vials.
The thaw label applied by SPLs bears the new shelf life at 2-8°C. The vials inside the cartons are not labelled with the post thaw expiry date so it is essential that the vials remain within their carton until the point of removal from the fridge for immediate use.
Further information may be found on our Ordering, receipt & storage of COVID-19 Vaccines page.
Carton / Vial Artwork
The initial supply of Spikevax Original/Omicron BA.4-5 will have different carton and vial labels to the GB licensed product, and will be labelled “Spikevax bivalent Original/Omicron BA.4/BA.5” The product, although packaged differently initially, is the Spikevax Bivalent product.
Spikevax Original/Omicron BA.4-5 initial label
For further information see the Direct Healthcare Professional Communication issued by Moderna.
Consumables and Patient Information Leaflets
Patient Information Leaflets, and syringes and needles for administration are provided with the vaccines.
Shelf life and storage
- Spikevax Original/Omicron BA.4-5 may be stored for up to 30 days between 2 and 8°C following thawing.
- Within the 30 days, it may be stored for up to 24 hours at room temperature (between 8°C and 25°C) following removal from the refrigerator.
- Once punctured, the vaccine vial may be stored for up to 6 hours at room temperature up to 25°C, (within the allowed use period of 30 days between 2°C and 8°C and 24 hours between 8°C and 25°C). However, from a microbiological point of view, unless the method of puncture precludes the risk of microbial contamination, the product should be used as soon as practically possible.
Shelf life extensions
From time to time, variations to the marketing authorisation may mean that some batches may have shelf lives beyond the labelled manufacturer’s expiry date. If there are any applicable shelf life extensions, they will be listed on our vaccine expiry extension page.
Transport and movement
Unpunctured Vials
Transit of unpunctured vials between 2 and 8°C can occur for a maximum of 12 hours. This may be broken into multiple separate journeys totalling no more than 12 hours.
It is assumed that 6 hours of transport time will already have been used during delivery to the NHS, which means that another 6 hours remain for transport once received by the NHS. The NHS logistics providers will inform the NHS if their journey has been longer than 6 hours.
Punctured Vials
The decision to move punctured vials between locations within the same legal entity must include an assessment of the risk of microbial contamination and proliferation versus risk of wastage and loss of opportunities to administer vaccines at alternative locations.
Any decision to move punctured vials must be made locally under the direction of the Chief Pharmacist or site lead pharmacist, taking the specific circumstances into account, and using
appropriate risk control measures such as temperature control, infection prevention and control, and a means to identify that the vial has been punctured.
Preparation
Spikevax Original/Omicron BA.4-5 is presented as a ‘ready to use’ formulation
Each dose is 0.5mL.
Detailed advice about preparation, including a model standard operational procedure can be found on our Spikevax Original/Omicron BA.4-5 preparation page.
Risk management
Spikevax Original/Omicron BA.4-5 will be handled in the same location as other vaccines. Following the guidance on Handling multiple COVID-19 Vaccines will reduce the risk of errors.
Licensed status
Spikevax Original/Omicron BA.4/BA.5 has a Conditional Marketing Authorisation (PLGB) in the UK.
Initial stock supplied into the UK will be labelled as Spikevax Original/Omicron BA.4/BA.5 and does not have any marketing authorisation number on the carton. The MHRA has reviewed and approved the data for these products as “Batch Specific Variations” and therefore they are approved to be used as licensed vaccines. For further information see the Direct Healthcare Professional Communication issued by Moderna.
Allergy, excipients and dietary advice
Spikevax Original/Omicron BA.4-5 is contraindicated in those with a hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any excipient (ingredient) in the vaccine, although revaccination may be possible on the advice of an expert (e.g. allergy specialist). See the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) for full details of the active substance and excipients included in the vaccine.
Allergy to any excipient is possible, but polyethylene glycol (PEG) is of particular importance. See the Green Book Chapter 14a: COVID-19 for details on how to manage individuals with a history of allergy.
Spikevax Original/Omicron BA.4-5 is produced by cell-free invitro transcription. The SPC does not indicate presence of egg, gluten, nut, soy or latex. Further information can be requested directly from the manufacturer if required.
Useful resources
Refer to the following recommended resources for further information.
Summary of Product Characteristics
Spikevax bivalent Original/Omicron BA.4-5 (50 micrograms/50 micrograms)/mL dispersion for injection
Manufacturer’s Supporting Information
Maintaining the COVID-19 vaccines cold chain
Cold chain management
Update history
- Page reviewed and up to date for Autumn 2023 campaign
- Published