Moderna’s updated COVID-19 vaccine will target Omicron XFG variant

Health Canada has approved an updated version of Spikevax, Moderna Canada’s COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. The vaccine now contains the Omicron XFG variant of SARS-CoV-2,1,2 rather than the Omicron LP.8.1 variant contained in the previous version of the vaccine. The updated vaccine is expected to be available in time for Fall 2026 provincial and territorial vaccination campaigns. Spikevax is indicated for active immunization against COVID-19 in individuals six months of age or older.1,2The Spikevax XFG vaccine will be available as a dispersion for intramuscular injection, supplied in 2.5 mL (0.1 mg/mL) multidose vials, and as 25 µg/0.25 mL and 50 µg/0.5 mL ready-to-use single-dose prefilled syringes.1,2 The company notes that the prefilled syringes for the Canadian market will be manufactured entirely in Canada, with production beginning at Moderna’s biomanufacturing facility in Laval, QC, and final fill-finish completed by Novocol Pharma in Cambridge, ON.2As of September 2, 2026, an updated version for Pfizer’s Comirnaty COVID-19 mRNA vaccine had not yet been approved by Health Canada.3 However, on August 27, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration did authorize the XFG-adapted Comirnaty COVID-19 mRNA vaccine for use in the United States.4The transition to COVID-19 vaccines containing XFG is based on a May 2026 announcement from the European Medicines Agency’s Emergency Task Force. The task force, in consultation with the World Health Organization and others, recommended updating COVID-19 vaccines to target the new SARS-CoV-2 XFG variant for the 2026/2027 vaccination campaign.5 XFG is part of the JN.1 family of Omicron subvariants. Its circulation has increased worldwide since June 2025, peaking at 74% of infections genetically sequenced globally in October 2025; it still remains prevalent among JN.1 subvariants although not consistently across all regions. Other co-circulating variants include NB.1.81, a JN.1-related variant, and BA.3.2, which is genetically distinct from the JN.1 family and is increasing in some countries. Evidence suggests that targeting XFG would provide the best protection against COVID-19 caused by JN.1 Omicron subvariants, and also against BA.3.2. However, the task force noted that vaccines targeting the LP.8.1 strain could still be considered for vaccination campaigns in 2026.5 The latest statement from Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization provides guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccines starting in the fall of 2026. NACI continues to strongly recommend COVID-19 immunization programs for individuals at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure or severe COVID-19 disease (e.g., all adults ≥ 65 years of age; persons ≥ 6 months of age who are residents of long-term care homes; persons with underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19; pregnant individuals). Immunization may also be offered to all other individuals ≥ 6 months of age.6 NACI strongly recommends that a second dose of COVID-19 vaccine per year be offered to the following groups, at a minimum interval of three months from the previous dose:Adults 80 years of age or older;Residents of long-term care homes, as well as residents of other congregate living settings for seniors;Individuals ≥ 6 months of age who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (due to an underlying condition or treatment);Adults 65–79 years of age with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk of severe COVID-19.A second dose of COVID-19 vaccine per year may also be offered to all other adults 65–79 years of age, at a minimum interval of three months from the previous dose.6ReferencesModerna Canada. Health Canada authorizes Moderna’s updated COVID-19 vaccine targeting XFG Omicron variant. August 31, 2026. (accessed September 3, 2026).Moderna Biopharma Canada Corp. Spikevax (COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, Omicron XFG variant) product monograph. Toronto, ON; June 19, 2026. (accessed September 3, 2026).Pfizer Canada Medical Information Department. Response package for request 01656483. September 2, 2026.Pfizer Inc. Pfizer and BioNTech receive U.S. FDA approval for XFG-adapted COVID-19 vaccine. August 27, 2026. (accessed September 3, 2026).European Medicines Agency. ETF recommends updating COVID-19 vaccines to target XFG variant. May 29, 2026. (accessed September 3, 2026).National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). Guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccines starting fall 2026. An Advisory Committee Statement (ACS). June 2026. (accessed September 3, 2026).

Moderna’s updated COVID-19 vaccine will target Omicron XFG variant

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