New Low-Dose COVID Vaccine mNEXSpike Is 13 Percent More Effective—Is It Right for You?
A top immunization expert explains how it works and if you’ll have fewer side effects
Have you seen ads for the new low-dose COVID vaccine called mNEXSpike and wondered what it’s all about? Us too! So we did some digging—and spoke to University of California-Irvine immunization expert Keri Hurley-Kim, PharmD, MPH, BCACP—to find out everything you need to know. Keep reading to discover what it is, side effects to watch for and who’s eligible for the new vaccine.
Key facts about the new low-dose vaccine, mNEXSpike
Recent FDA approval of Moderna’s mNEXSpike vaccine was based on a study published early this year in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. It included more than 11,000 people aged 12 and up, and compared the new low-dose vaccine to Moderna’s existing COVID-19 vaccine. While the approval is new, the vaccine has been in the works for years and is considered the next generation of COVID-19 protection. “Human trials began in 2021 and some are ongoing,” says Hurley-Kim. The low-dose vaccine uses five times less active ingredient than old-school vaccines. And not only is it just as effective, it may be significantly more effective.
To understand how that is possible, first we needed experts to help to explain how COVID vaccines work in general. Turns out, the science is very cool.
Woman's World Answers
The amazing way COVID vaccines work
Here’s the very, very simple version of what happens: Old-school and new low-dose vaccines both contain lab-made genetic information called mRNA that acts like a set of instructions, teaching our bodies how to make small, harmless pieces of the COVID-19 virus. When the immune system encounters these pieces, it perceives them as a threat and begins making antibodies to neutralize them, experts say. It also “memorizes” the pieces so it knows to attack them in the future.
If the actual COVID-19 virus enters your body, your immune system immediately recognizes the pieces and launches a massive attack that destroys the virus before you become seriously sick. (Check out this year’s new COVID Stratus symptoms to watch for.)
What gives low-dose vaccines like mNEXSpike an advantage?
Unlike older COVID vaccines, mNEXSpike is more targeted. “It helps us make the tiniest but most important pieces of the COVID-19 virus,” notes Hurley-Kim. This allows for a five times smaller dose—10 mcg instead of 50 mcg—while still producing “a similar or potentially greater immune response.” Think of it like studying for a test: Instead of memorizing an entire textbook, you focus only on chapters that will definitely be on the exam. So it’s easier to study and you get a better grade.
“It’s not yet conclusive, but mNEXSPIKE may elicit a greater immune response,” says Hurley-Kim. She explains that existing studies were designed to make sure the new vaccine wasn’t worse than older vaccines. So while they only officially concluded the new vaccine was “as good as” the old, evidence showed “the new vaccine may be up to 13 percent better,” she says. “Further research is needed to confirm this and determine whether it translates to better clinical outcomes, such as a lower risk of hospitalization and severe illness.”
Does a lower dose mean fewer side effects?
Unfortunately, for now at least, “studies have not found significantly lower rates of [vaccine] side effects like injection site reactions, headache, fatigue, chills or fever,” says Hurley-Kim. “While it is a lower dose, it elicits a similar or possibly greater immune response. The immune response is what makes the vaccine work, but it is also why we see side effects.”
And while everyone agrees this aspect of immunization is no fun, “I like to explain to patients that while side effects are uncomfortable and inconvenient, they are a sign that the vaccine is working and the immune system is doing its job,” Hurley-Kim shares.
Is the new low-dose mNEXSpike vaccine right for you?
Because the government is currently handling vaccination much differently than it has in the past, the FDA did not approve this vaccine for anyone who is under 65 years of age and at normal risk from COVID. Their reasoning seems to be that the low-dose vaccine only worked 9 percent better for younger folks while it worked 13 percent better for seniors. But those from 12 to 64 years of age are eligible for the low-dose mNEXSpike option if they have at least one health condition that puts them at high risk from COVID-19. Adds Hurley-Kim: “It is always possible FDA approval and CDC recommendations may change over time.”
As for adults age 65 years and older, you’ll need to check with your doctor, but you are eligible to get the vaccine, which is available now.
“I advise my patients that the ‘best’ COVID-19 vaccine for them is the one they are most comfortable with among the options available to them,” Hurley-Kim says. If the low-dose version appeals to you and you can get it, it’s a great choice. “Some patients prefer to receive the same vaccine they’ve gotten in the past, others may choose Novavax’s NUVAXOVID, a non-mRNA-based option.”
The bottom line
All options provide significant protection. Have questions about the safety or effectiveness of any vaccine? “The best source of information is a pharmacist, physician or other healthcare provider you trust,” Hurley-Kim adds.
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