Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Licensed Spikevax Vaccine

Spikevax is an mRNA vaccine that instructs cells to produce the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, triggering an immune response to protect against COVID-19 infection.

Spikevax is an mRNA vaccine that instructs cells to produce the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, triggering an immune response to protect against COVID-19 infection. Used for Prevention of COVID-19 disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus (primary series and booster doses).

At a glance

Mechanism of action

The vaccine contains lipid nanoparticles encapsulating messenger RNA encoding the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Upon intramuscular injection, the mRNA is taken up by host cells, which translate it to produce spike protein antigen. This stimulates both CD8+ T-cell and B-cell adaptive immune responses, generating neutralizing antibodies and cellular immunity against the virus.

Approved indications

• Prevention of COVID-19 disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus (primary series and booster doses)

Common side effects

• Injection site pain
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Myalgia
• Chills
• Fever
• Lymphadenopathy

Key clinical trials

• A Study of an Investigational mRNA-1273.815 COVID-19 Vaccine in Previously Vaccinated Adults (PHASE3)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Licensed Spikevax Vaccine CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Licensed Spikevax Vaccine updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• ModernaTX, Inc. portfolio CI