COVID-19 Vaccine Updates: Moderna's New Shot and Pertussis Concerns

Moderna's mNEXSPIKE COVID-19 Vaccine

The FDA has approved Moderna's next-generation COVID-19 vaccine, mNEXSPIKE (mRNA-1283), for adults 65 and older and individuals aged 12 to 64 with at least one condition that puts them at higher risk for severe disease. This approval is based on a phase 3 trial involving 11,400 participants, where mNEXSPIKE demonstrated higher relative vaccine efficacy compared to Moderna's original vaccine, Spikevax. The new vaccine contains one-fifth of the original dose and is potentially refrigerator-stable, making it easier to distribute. It is expected to be available for the 2025-26 respiratory virus season.

Pertussis Outbreaks in the Americas

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an alert regarding a rise in pertussis cases in the Americas. Cases have increased significantly since 2023, with nearly 44,000 cases reported in 2024. The US is reporting the most cases, with over 10,000 as of late April. PAHO urges countries to enhance surveillance and track vaccination coverage, especially in young children.

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cucumbers

A multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to whole cucumbers has grown to 45 cases across 18 states. The recalled cucumbers were distributed by Fresh Start Produce Inc. If you have whole cucumbers and cannot determine their origin, discard them. Florida and Georgia have the most cases. Investigations are ongoing, with potential links to cruise ships departing from Florida.

Flu, RSV, and Secondary Bacterial Infections

A study found that influenza and RSV are associated with an increased risk of secondary Streptococcus pneumoniae infection, while COVID-19 is associated with a decreased risk. The study analyzed data from Veterans Affairs hospitals and found that flu and RSV more than doubled the odds of subsequent S. pneumoniae infection. This suggests that empiric antimicrobial therapy should be considered for patients with flu or RSV presenting with bacterial superinfection.

Avian Flu Virus in Raw Milk

Researchers detected infectious avian flu viruses in raw cow and sheep milk for over a day at room temperature and more than a week when refrigerated. This highlights the risk of contracting H5N1 avian flu from consuming unpasteurized dairy products and from occupational exposure in dairies. The findings reinforce the importance of measures to mitigate this risk.

Adults 65 and older and people ages 12 to 64 with at least one medical condition that increases their risk for severe COVID-19.

If you cannot determine where the cucumbers are from, throw them out.

A sustained decline in pertussis vaccine coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Researchers found live avian flu virus in raw milk, highlighting the risk of consuming unpasteurized dairy products.

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