Pfizer and BioNTech’s JN.1-adapted COVID-19 vaccine granted consent by Medsafe

Pfizer New Zealand and BioNTech announce Medsafe’s consent for JN.1-adapted COVID-19 vaccine and its availability from January 2025. The updated COVID-19 vaccine can be given to adults and children 6 months and older.

The JN.1-adapted monovalent COVID-19 vaccine (COMIRNATY JN.1) is one of their variant-adapted COVID-19 vaccines for active immunisation to help prevent COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2.^1,2

The World Health Organization identified JN.1 as a variant of interest (VOI) due to its rapid spread.^3,4

“We welcome this consent in New Zealand and thank Medsafe for their careful assessment of the variant-adapted COVID-19 vaccine for the 2024/2025 season. This consent reaffirms our ongoing commitment to bring a vaccine to help prevent COVID-19 to New Zealanders,” said Dr Krishan Thiru, Pfizer Australia & New Zealand Medical Director.

“With this latest registration, an updated vaccine is now available to address JN.1-related sublineages which currently account for the vast majority of COVID-19 cases globally^3,4,” Dr Thiru said.

Registration of the JN.1-adapted monovalent COVID-19 vaccine is based on the full body of available non-clinical and real-world evidence supporting the efficacy and tolerability of Pfizer and BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccines. The use of the JN.1-adapted monovalent COVID-19 vaccine should be in accordance with official recommendations.

COMIRNATY JN.1 has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if COMIRNATY JN.1 is right for you. Normal doctor's charges apply. Use strictly as directed.