ATAGI have updated their recommendations on the use of the Moderna bivalent COVID vaccine, with it now being recommended as an option in anyone aged 12 years and over who is eligible for a booster dose.  

The Moderna bivalent vaccine contains equal parts of mRNA from the spike proteins from the ancestral strain of SARS-CoV-2 and the Omicron BA.4/5 subvariant.  

Bivalent vaccines are the preferred option for booster doses as early evidence indicates they provide greater protection against hospitalisation or death from circulating subvariants than the original Moderna or Pfizer vaccines.

They are not recommended for use in a primary course of COVID vaccination.  

For read the ATAGI recommendations in full, head to the link below: 

ATAGI recommendations on the use of the Moderna bivalent (Original/Omicron 4/5) COVID-19 vaccine