Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine can now be given to children ages 6-17 years following action by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This provides another safe and effective vaccine option for this age group for protection against the most severe outcomes of COVID-19. Children are at risk for serious illness, including hospitalization and death, from COVID-19. Vaccines offer the best protection against these serious outcomes.
Moderna’s vaccine was previously recommended for use in children 6 months through 5 years, and adults age 18 years and older.
Now, Moderna vaccine is also available for children ages 6 years through 11 years at a lower dose, and for adolescents ages 12 years through 17 years (same dose given to adults) under FDA emergency use authorization.
- Children ages 6-11 years: A product with new labeling will be manufactured soon specifically for this age group. For now, children in this age group should receive the Moderna vaccine labeled as “BOOSTER DOSES ONLY” (dark blue vial cap/purple label border), which is the equivalent dose (50 mcg/0.5mL). This formulation can be given as the primary series for children ages 6 years through 11 years and as boosters for people ages 18 years and older.
- Adolescents and teens ages 12-17 years: The same formulation for adults can now be given to adolescents ages 12 years through 17 years (red cap/light blue label border, 100 mcg/0.5mL). This formulation can be given for the primary series for people ages 12 years and older (100 mcg/0.5 mL) and for booster doses for people age 18 years and older (half dose: 50 mcg/0.25 mL).
Ohio vaccine providers may plan to administer Moderna vaccines to this age group as soon as practical with available supply. These vaccine products are not interchangeable; doses must be drawn from the age-appropriate formulation per FDA and CDC guidance.
Providers who would like to place orders for these Moderna formulations or any COVID-19 vaccine product can do so through the ImpactSIIS Vaccine Ordering Management System (VOMS). VOMS is open for orders 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- The minimum order quantity will be 100 doses.
- Orders for Moderna vaccine for children ages 6 months through 5 years, 6 years through 11 years, and 12 years and older (same formulation currently given to adults) can be placed using the existing COVID-19 Moderna order set. Read each description carefully under this order set to ensure you are ordering the correct formulation for the intended age group(s).
- Providers must enter the total quantity requested in the “Doses Requested” field in multiples of 100.
The Ohio Department of Health has updated its Provider Guidance for COVID-19 Vaccines for Children to include expanded Moderna COVID-19 vaccine use. The guidance also includes important information about ordering, storage, handling, and administration, as well as messaging, resources, and education.
CDC Standing Orders for Moderna COVID-19 Vaccines: Ages 6 months through 5 years | Ages 6 years through 11 years | Ages 12 years through 17 years | Age 18 years and older.
Thank you for your continued partnership in vaccinating Ohioans.
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) COVID-19 Provider website is a hub for a variety of resources for vaccine providers. Vaccine providers with questions may call the ODH Provider Call Center at 1.844.9ODHVAX (1.844.963.4829) between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays or email COVIDVACCINE@odh.ohio.gov.