Comirnaty 30 micrograms/dose concentrate for dispersion for injection is indicated for active immunisation to prevent COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2, in individuals 12 years of age and older.

The use of this vaccine should be in accordance with official recommendations.

Posology

Individuals 12 years of age and older

Comirnaty is administered intramuscularly after dilution as a single dose of 0.3 mL for individuals 12 years of age and older regardless of prior COVID-19 vaccination status (see sections 4.4 and 5.1).

For individuals who have previously been vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine, Comirnaty should be administered at least 3 months after the most recent dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Severely immunocompromised aged 12 years and older

Additional doses may be administered to individuals who are severely immunocompromised in accordance with national recommendations (see section 4.4).

Paediatric population

There are paediatric formulations available for infants aged 6 months and above and children below 12 years of age. For details, please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics for other formulations.

The safety and efficacy of the vaccine in infants aged less than 6 months have not yet been established.

Elderly population

No dose adjustment is required in elderly individuals ≥ 65 years of age.

Method of administration

Comirnaty 30 micrograms/dose concentrate for dispersion for injection should be administered intramuscularly after dilution (see section 6.6).

After dilution, vials of Comirnaty contain 6 doses of 0.3 mL of vaccine. In order to extract 6 doses from a single vial, low dead-volume syringes and/or needles should be used. The low dead-volume syringe and needle combination should have a dead volume of no more than 35 microlitres. If standard syringes and needles are used, there may not be sufficient volume to extract a sixth dose from a single vial. Irrespective of the type of syringe and needle:

• Each dose must contain 0.3 mL of vaccine.

• If the amount of vaccine remaining in the vial cannot provide a full dose of 0.3 mL, discard the vial and any excess volume.

• Do not pool excess vaccine from multiple vials.

The preferred site is the deltoid muscle of the upper arm.

The vaccine should not be mixed in the same syringe with any other vaccines or medicinal products.

For precautions to be taken before administering the vaccine, see section 4.4.

For instructions regarding thawing, handling and disposal of the vaccine, see section 6.6.

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Traceability

In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number of the administered product should be clearly recorded.

General recommendations

Hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis

Events of anaphylaxis have been reported. Appropriate medical treatment and supervision should always be readily available in case of an anaphylactic reaction following the administration of the vaccine.

Close observation for at least 15 minutes is recommended following vaccination. No further dose of the vaccine should be given to those who have experienced anaphylaxis after a prior dose of Comirnaty.

Myocarditis and pericarditis

There is an increased risk of myocarditis and pericarditis following vaccination with Comirnaty. These conditions can develop within just a few days after vaccination and have primarily occurred within 14 days. They have been observed more often after the second vaccination, and more often in younger males (see section 4.8). Available data indicate that most cases recover. Some cases required intensive care support and fatal cases have been observed.

Healthcare professionals should be alert to the signs and symptoms of myocarditis and pericarditis. Vaccinees (including parents or caregivers) should be instructed to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms indicative of myocarditis or pericarditis such as (acute and persisting) chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations following vaccination.

Healthcare professionals should consult guidance and/or specialists to diagnose and treat this condition.

Anxiety-related reactions

Anxiety-related reactions, including vasovagal reactions (syncope), hyperventilation or stress‐ related reactions (e.g. dizziness, palpitations, increases in heart rate, alterations in blood pressure, paraesthesia, hypoaesthesia and sweating) may occur in association with the vaccination process itself. Stress-related reactions are temporary and resolve on their own. Individuals should be advised to bring symptoms to the attention of the vaccination provider for evaluation. It is important that precautions are in place to avoid injury from fainting.

Concurrent illness

Vaccination should be postponed in individuals suffering from acute severe febrile illness or acute infection. The presence of a minor infection and/or low-grade fever should not delay vaccination.

Thrombocytopenia and coagulation disorders

As with other intramuscular injections, the vaccine should be given with caution in individuals receiving anticoagulant therapy or those with thrombocytopenia or any coagulation disorder (such as haemophilia) because bleeding or bruising may occur following an intramuscular administration in these individuals.

Immunocompromised individuals

The efficacy and safety of the vaccine has not been assessed in immunocompromised individuals, including those receiving immunosuppressant therapy. The efficacy of Comirnaty may be lower in immunocompromised individuals.

Duration of protection

The duration of protection afforded by the vaccine is unknown as it is still being determined by ongoing clinical trials.

Limitations of vaccine effectiveness

As with any vaccine, vaccination with Comirnaty may not protect all vaccine recipients. Individuals may not be fully protected until 7 days after their vaccination.

Excipients

This vaccine contains less than 1 mmol potassium (39 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially 'potassium-free'.

This vaccine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.

No interaction studies have been performed.

Concomitant administration of Comirnaty with other vaccines has not been studied.

Pregnancy

A large amount of observational data from pregnant women vaccinated with Comirnaty during the second and third trimester have not shown an increase in adverse pregnancy outcomes. While data on pregnancy outcomes following vaccination during the first trimester are presently limited, no increased risk for miscarriage has been seen. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, embryo/foetal development, parturition or post-natal development (see section 5.3). Comirnaty can be used during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding

No effects on the breastfed newborn/infant are anticipated since the systemic exposure of breast-feeding woman to Comirnaty is negligible. Observational data from women who were breast-feeding after vaccination have not shown a risk for adverse effects in breastfed newborns/infants. Comirnaty can be used during breast-feeding.

Fertility

Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3).

Comirnaty has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines. However, some of the effects mentioned under section 4.8 may temporarily affect the ability to drive or use machines.

Summary of safety profile

Participants 16 years of age and older – after 2 doses

In Study 2, a total of 22 026 participants 16 years of age or older received at least 1 dose of Comirnaty and a total of 22 021 participants 16 years of age or older received placebo (including 138 and 145 adolescents 16 and 17 years of age in the vaccine and placebo groups, respectively). A total of 20 519 participants 16 years of age or older received 2 doses of Comirnaty.

At the time of the analysis of Study 2 with a data cut-off of 13 March 2021 for the placebo-controlled blinded follow-up period up to the participants' unblinding dates, a total of 25 651 (58.2%) participants (13 031 Comirnaty and 12 620 placebo) 16 years of age and older were followed up for ≥ 4 months after the second dose. This included a total of 15 111 (7 704 Comirnaty and 7 407 placebo) participants 16 to 55 years of age and a total of 10 540 (5 327 Comirnaty and 5 213 placebo) participants 56 years of age and older.

The most frequent adverse reactions in participants 16 years of age and older that received 2 doses were injection site pain (> 80%), fatigue (> 60%), headache (> 50%), myalgia (> 40%), chills (> 30%), arthralgia (> 20%), pyrexia and injection site swelling (> 10%) and were usually mild or moderate in intensity and resolved within a few days after vaccination. A slightly lower frequency of reactogenicity events was associated with greater age.

The safety profile in 545 participants 16 years of age and older receiving Comirnaty, that were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 at baseline, was similar to that seen in the general population.

Adolescents 12 to 15 years of age – after 2 doses

In an analysis of long-term safety follow-up in Study 2, 2 260 adolescents (1 131 Comirnaty and 1 129 placebo) were 12 to 15 years of age. Of these, 1 559 adolescents (786 Comirnaty and 773 placebo) have been followed for ≥ 4 months after the second dose of Comirnaty.

The overall safety profile of Comirnaty in adolescents 12 to 15 years of age was similar to that seen in participants 16 years of age and older. The most frequent adverse reactions in adolescents 12 to 15 years of age that received 2 doses were injection site pain (> 90%), fatigue and headache (> 70%), myalgia and chills (> 40%), arthralgia and pyrexia (> 20%).

Participants 12 years of age and older – after booster dose

A subset from Study 2 Phase 2/3 participants of 306 adults 18 to 55 years of age who completed the original Comirnaty 2-dose course, received a booster dose of Comirnaty approximately 6 months (range of 4.8 to 8.0 months) after receiving Dose 2. Overall, participants who received a booster dose, had a median follow-up time of 8.3 months (range 1.1 to 8.5 months) and 301 participants had been followed for ≥ 6 months after the booster dose to the cut-off date (22 November 2021).

The overall safety profile for the booster dose was similar to that seen after 2 doses. The most frequent adverse reactions in participants 18 to 55 years of age were injection site pain (> 80%), fatigue (> 60%), headache (> 40%), myalgia (> 30%), chills and arthralgia (> 20%).

In Study 4, a placebo-controlled booster study, participants 16 years of age and older recruited from Study 2 received a booster dose of Comirnaty (5 081 participants), or placebo (5 044 participants) at least 6 months after the second dose of Comirnaty. Overall, participants who received a booster dose, had a median follow-up time of 2.8 months (range 0.3 to 7.5 months) after the booster dose in the blinded placebo-controlled follow-up period to the cut-off date (8 February 2022). Of these, 1 281 participants (895 Comirnaty and 386 placebo) have been followed for ≥ 4 months after the booster dose of Comirnaty. No new adverse reactions of Comirnaty were identified.

A subset from Study 2 Phase 2/3 participants of 825 adolescents 12 to 15 years of age who completed the original Comirnaty 2-dose course, received a booster dose of Comirnaty approximately 11.2 months (range of 6.3 to 20.1 months) after receiving Dose 2. Overall, participants who received a booster dose, had a median follow-up time of 9.5 months (range 1.5 to 10.7 months) based on data up to the cut-off date (3 November 2022). No new adverse reactions of Comirnaty were identified.

Participants 12 years of age and older – after subsequent booster doses

The safety of a booster dose of Comirnaty in participants 12 years of age and older is inferred from safety data from studies of a booster dose of Comirnaty in participants 18 years of age and older.

A subset of 325 adults 18 to ≤ 55 years of age who had completed 3 doses of Comirnaty, received a booster (fourth dose) of Comirnaty 90 to 180 days after receiving Dose 3. Participants who received a booster (fourth dose) of Comirnaty had a median follow-up time of 1.4 months up to a data cut-off date of 11 March 2022. The most frequent adverse reactions in these participants were injection site pain (> 70%), fatigue (> 60%), headache (> 40%), myalgia and chills (> 20%), and arthralgia (> 10%).

In a subset from Study 4 (Phase 3), 305 adults > 55 years of age who had completed 3 doses of Comirnaty, received a booster (fourth dose) of Comirnaty 5 to 12 months after receiving Dose 3. Participants who received a booster (fourth dose) of Comirnaty had a median follow-up time of at least 1.7 months up to a data cut-off date of 16 May 2022. The overall safety profile for the Comirnaty booster (fourth dose) was similar to that seen after the Comirnaty booster (third dose). The most frequent adverse reactions in participants > 55 years of age were injection site pain (> 60%), fatigue (> 40%), headache (> 20%), myalgia and chills (> 10%).

Booster dose following primary vaccination with another authorised COVID-19 vaccine

In 5 independent studies on the use of a Comirnaty booster dose in individuals who had completed primary vaccination with another authorised COVID-19 vaccine (heterologous booster dose), no new safety issues were identified (see section 5.1).

Tabulated list of adverse reactions from clinical studies and post-authorisation experience in individuals 12 years of age and older

Adverse reactions observed during clinical studies are listed below according to the following frequency categories: Very common (≥ 1/10),Common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10),Uncommon (≥ 1/1 000 to < 1/100),Rare (≥ 1/10 000 to < 1/1 000),Very rare (< 1/10 000), Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Table 1. Adverse reactions from Comirnaty clinical trials and post-authorisation experience in individuals 12 years of age and older

a. In participants 5 years of age and older, a higher frequency of lymphadenopathy was reported after a booster (≤ 2.8%) dose than after primary (≤ 0.9%) doses of the vaccine.

b. The frequency category for urticaria and angioedema was rare.

c. Through the clinical trial safety follow-up period to 14 November 2020, acute peripheral facial paralysis (or palsy) was reported by four participants in the COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine group. Onset was Day 37 after Dose 1 (participant did not receive Dose 2) and Days 3, 9, and 48 after Dose 2. No cases of acute peripheral facial paralysis (or palsy) were reported in the placebo group.

d. Adverse reaction determined post-authorisation.

e. Refers to vaccinated arm.

f. A higher frequency of pyrexia was observed after the second dose compared to the first dose.

g. Facial swelling in vaccine recipients with a history of injection of dermatological fillers has been reported in the post-marketing phase.

h. Most cases appeared to be non-serious and temporary in nature.

Description of selected adverse reactions

Myocarditis and pericarditis

The increased risk of myocarditis after vaccination with Comirnaty is highest in younger males (see section 4.4).

Two large European pharmacoepidemiological studies have estimated the excess risk in younger males following the second dose of Comirnaty. One study showed that in a period of 7 days after the second dose there were about 0.265 (95% CI 0.255 - 0.275) extra cases of myocarditis in 12-29 year old males per 10 000 compared to unexposed persons. In another study, in a period of 28 days after the second dose there were 0.56 (95% CI 0.37 - 0.74) extra cases of myocarditis in 16-24 year old males per 10 000 compared to unexposed persons.

Limited data indicate that the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis after vaccination with Comirnaty in children aged 5 to 11 years seems lower than in ages 12 to 17 years.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product.

Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via a Yellow card. Reporting forms and information can be found at https://coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store and include batch/Lot number if available.

Alternatively, adverse events of concern in association with Comirnaty can be reported to Pfizer Medical Information on 01304 616161 or via www.pfizersafetyreporting.com.

Please do not report the same adverse event(s) to both systems as all reports will be shared between Pfizer and MHRA (in an anonymized form) and dual reporting will create unnecessary duplicates.

Overdose data is available from 52 study participants included in the clinical trial that due to an error in dilution received 58 micrograms of Comirnaty. The vaccine recipients did not report an increase in reactogenicity or adverse reactions.

In the event of overdose, monitoring of vital functions and possible symptomatic treatment is recommended.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: vaccines, viral vaccines, ATC code: J07BN01

Mechanism of action

The nucleoside-modified messenger RNA in Comirnaty is formulated in lipid nanoparticles, which enable delivery of the non-replicating RNA into host cells to direct transient expression of the SARS-CoV-2 S antigen. The mRNA codes for membrane-anchored, full-length S with two point mutations within the central helix. Mutation of these two amino acids to proline locks S in an antigenically preferred prefusion conformation. The vaccine elicits both neutralizing antibody and cellular immune responses to the spike (S) antigen, which may contribute to protection against COVID-19.

Efficacy

Study 2 is a multicentre, multinational, Phase 1/2/3 randomised, placebo-controlled, observer-blind dose-finding, vaccine candidate selection and efficacy study in participants 12 years of age and older. Randomisation was stratified by age: 12 to 15 years of age, 16 to 55 years of age, or 56 years of age and older, with a minimum of 40% of participants in the ≥ 56-year stratum. The study excluded participants who were immunocompromised and those who had previous clinical or microbiological diagnosis of COVID-19. Participants with pre-existing stable disease, defined as disease not requiring significant change in therapy or hospitalization for worsening disease during the 6 weeks before enrolment, were included as were participants with known stable infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Efficacy in participants 16 years of age and older – after 2 doses

In the Phase 2/3 portion of Study 2, based on data accrued through 14 November 2020, approximately 44 000 participants were randomised equally and were to receive 2 doses of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine or placebo. The efficacy analyses included participants that received their second vaccination within 19 to 42 days after their first vaccination. The majority (93.1%) of vaccine recipients received the second dose 19 days to 23 days after Dose 1. Participants are planned to be followed for up to 24 months after Dose 2, for assessments of safety and efficacy against COVID-19. In the clinical study, participants were required to observe a minimum interval of 14 days before and after administration of an influenza vaccine in order to receive either placebo or COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine. In the clinical study, participants were required to observe a minimum interval of 60 days before or after receipt of blood/plasma products or immunoglobulins within through conclusion of the study in order to receive either placebo or COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine.

The population for the analysis of the primary efficacy endpoint included 36 621 participants 12 years of age and older (18 242 in the COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine group and 18 379 in the placebo group) who did not have evidence of prior infection with SARS-CoV-2 through 7 days after the second dose. In addition, 134 participants were between the ages of 16 to 17 years of age (66 in the COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine group and 68 in the placebo group) and 1 616 participants 75 years of age and older (804 in the COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine group and 812 in the placebo group).

At the time of the primary efficacy analysis, participants had been followed for symptomatic COVID-19 for in total 2 214 person-years for the COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine and in total 2 222 person-years in the placebo group.

There were no meaningful clinical differences in overall vaccine efficacy in participants who were at risk of severe COVID-19 including those with 1 or more comorbidities that increase the risk of severe COVID-19 (e.g. asthma, body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m², chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension).

The vaccine efficacy information is presented in Table 2.

Table 2. Vaccine efficacy – First COVID-19 occurrence from 7 days after Dose 2, by age subgroup – participants without evidence of infection prior to 7 days after Dose 2 - evaluable efficacy (7 days) population

Efficacy of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine in preventing first COVID-19 occurrence from 7 days after Dose 2 compared to placebo was 94.6% (95% confidence interval of 89.6% to 97.6%) in participants 16 years of age and older with or without evidence of prior infection with SARS-CoV-2.

Additionally, subgroup analyses of the primary efficacy endpoint showed similar efficacy point estimates across genders, ethnic groups, and participants with medical comorbidities associated with high risk of severe COVID-19.

Updated efficacy analyses were performed with additional confirmed COVID-19 cases accrued during blinded placebo-controlled follow-up, representing up to 6 months after Dose 2 in the efficacy population.

The updated vaccine efficacy information is presented in Table 3.

In the updated efficacy analysis, efficacy of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine in preventing first COVID-19 occurrence from 7 days after Dose 2 compared to placebo was 91.1% (95% CI of 88.8% to 93.0%) during the period when Wuhan/Wild type and Alpha variants were the predominant circulating strains in participants in the evaluable efficacy population with or without evidence of prior infection with SARS-CoV-2.

Additionally, the updated efficacy analyses by subgroup showed similar efficacy point estimates across sexes, ethnic groups, geography and participants with medical comorbidities and obesity associated with high risk of severe COVID-19.

Efficacy against severe COVID-19

Updated efficacy analyses of secondary efficacy endpoints supported benefit of the COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine in preventing severe COVID‑ 19.

As of 13 March 2021, vaccine efficacy against severe COVID-19 is presented only for participants with or without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection (Table 4) as the COVID-19 case counts in participants without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection were the same as those in participants with or without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection in both the COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine and placebo groups.

Efficacy and immunogenicity in adolescents 12 to 15 years of age – after 2 doses

In an initial analysis of Study 2 in adolescents 12 to 15 years of age (representing a median follow-up duration of > 2 months after Dose 2) without evidence of prior infection, there were no cases in 1 005 participants who received the vaccine and 16 cases out of 978 who received placebo. The point estimate for efficacy is 100% (95% confidence interval 75.3, 100.0). In participants with or without evidence of prior infection there were 0 cases in the 1 119 who received vaccine and 18 cases in 1 110 participants who received placebo. This also indicates the point estimate for efficacy is 100% (95% confidence interval 78.1, 100.0).

Updated efficacy analyses were performed with additional confirmed COVID-19 cases accrued during blinded placebo-controlled follow-up, representing up to 6 months after Dose 2 in the efficacy population.

In the updated efficacy analysis of Study 2 in adolescents 12 to 15 years of age without evidence of prior infection, there were no cases in 1 057 participants who received the vaccine and 28 cases out of 1 030 who received placebo. The point estimate for efficacy is 100% (95% confidence interval 86.8, 100.0) during the period when Alpha variant was the predominant circulating strain. In participants with or without evidence of prior infection there were 0 cases in the 1 119 who received vaccine and 30 cases in 1 109 participants who received placebo. This also indicates the point estimate for efficacy is 100% (95% confidence interval 87.5, 100.0).

In Study 2, an analysis of SARS-CoV-2 neutralising titres 1 month after Dose 2 was conducted in a randomly selected subset of participants who had no serological or virological evidence of past SARS-CoV-2 infection up to 1 month after Dose 2, comparing the response in adolescents 12 to 15 years of age (n = 190) to participants 16 to 25 years of age (n = 170).

The ratio of the geometric mean titres (GMT) in the 12 to 15 years of age group to the 16 to 25 years of age group was 1.76, with a 2-sided 95% CI of 1.47 to 2.10. Therefore, the 1.5-fold noninferiority criterion was met as the lower bound of the 2-sided 95% CI for the geometric mean ratio [GMR] was > 0.67.

Immunogenicity in participants 18 years of age and older – after booster dose

Effectiveness of a booster dose of Comirnaty was based on an assessment of 50% neutralizing antibody titres (NT50) against SARS-CoV-2 (USA_WA1/2020) in Study 2. In this study, the booster dose was administered 5 to 8 months (median 7 months) after the second dose. In Study 2, analyses of NT50 1 month after the booster dose compared to 1 month after the primary series in individuals 18 through 55 years of age who had no serological or virological evidence of past SARS-CoV-2 infection up to 1 month after the booster vaccination demonstrated noninferiority for both geometric mean ratio (GMR) and difference in seroresponse rates. Seroresponse for a participant was defined as achieving a ≥ 4-fold rise in NT50 from baseline (before primary series). These analyses are summarized in Table 5.

Table 5. SARS-CoV-2 neutralization assay - NT50 (titre)^† (SARS-CoV-2 USA_WA1/2020) – GMT and seroresponse rate comparison of 1 month after booster dose to 1 month after primary series – participants 18 through 55 years of age without evidence of infection up to 1 month after booster dose* – booster dose evaluable immunogenicity population^±

Relative vaccine efficacy in participants 16 years of age and older – after booster dose

An interim efficacy analysis of Study 4, a placebo-controlled booster study performed in approximately 10 000 participants 16 years of age and older who were recruited from Study 2, evaluated confirmed COVID-19 cases accrued from at least 7 days after booster vaccination up to a data cut-off date of 5 October 2021, which represents a median of 2.5 months post-booster follow-up. The booster dose was administered 5 to 13 months (median 11 months) after the second dose. Vaccine efficacy of the Comirnaty booster dose after the primary series relative to the placebo booster group who only received the primary series dose was assessed.

The relative vaccine efficacy information for participants 16 years of age and older without prior evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection is presented in Table 6. Relative vaccine efficacy in participants with or without evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection was 94.6% (95% confidence interval of 88.5% to 97.9%), similar to that seen in those participants without evidence of prior infection. Primary COVID-19 cases observed from 7 days after booster vaccination were 7 primary cases in the Comirnaty group, and 124 primary cases in the placebo group.

Table 6. Vaccine efficacy – First COVID-19 occurrence from 7 days after booster vaccination – participants 16 years of age and older without evidence of infection – evaluable efficacy population

Immunogenicity of a booster dose following primary vaccination with another authorised COVID-19 vaccine

Effectiveness of a Comirnaty booster dose (30 mcg) in individuals who completed primary vaccination with another authorised COVID-19 vaccine (heterologous booster dose) is inferred from immunogenicity data from an independent National Institutes of Health (NIH) study phase 1/2 open-label clinical trial (NCT04889209) conducted in the United States. In this study, adults (range 19 to 80 years of age) who had completed primary vaccination with Moderna 100 mcg 2-dose series (N = 51, mean age 54± 17), Janssen single dose (N = 53, mean age 48± 14), or Comirnaty 30 mcg 2-dose series (N = 50, mean age 50± 18) at least 12 weeks prior to enrolment and who reported no history of SARS-CoV-2 infection received a booster dose of Comirnaty (30 mcg). The boost with Comirnaty induced a 36, 12, and 20 GMR-fold rise in neutralising titres following the Janssen, Moderna, and Comirnaty primary doses, respectively.

Heterologous boosting with Comirnaty was also evaluated in the CoV-BOOST study (EudraCT 2021-002175-19), a multicentre, randomised, controlled, phase 2 trial of third dose booster vaccination against COVID-19, in which 107 adult participants (median age 71 years of age, interquartile range 54 to 77 years of age) were randomised at least 70 days post 2 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine. After the AstraZeneca COVID‑ 19 Vaccine primary series, pseudovirus (wild-type), neutralising antibody NT50 GMR-fold change increased 21.6-fold with heterologous Comirnaty booster (n = 95).

Immunogenicity in participants > 55 years of age – after a booster dose (fourth dose) of Comirnaty (30 mcg)

In an interim analysis of a subset from Study 4 (Substudy E), 305 participants > 55 years of age who had completed a series of 3 doses of Comirnaty received Comirnaty (30 mcg) as a booster dose (fourth dose) 5 to 12 months after receiving Dose 3. For the immunogenicity subset data see Table 7.

Immunogenicity in participants 18 to ≤ 55 years of age – after a booster dose (fourth dose) of Comirnaty (30 mcg)

In Substudy D [a subset from Study 2 (Phase 3) and Study 4 (Phase 3)], 325 participants 18 to ≤ 55 years of age who had completed 3 doses of Comirnaty received Comirnaty (30 mcg) as a booster dose (fourth dose) 90 to 180 days after receiving Dose 3. For the immunogenicity subset data see Table 7.

Table 7. Summary of immunogenicity data from participants in C4591031 Substudy D (cohort 2 full expanded set) and Substudy E (expanded cohort immunogenicity subset) who received Comirnaty 30 mcg as booster (fourth dose) – participants without evidence of infection up to 1 month after booster dose – evaluable immunogenicity population

Paediatric population

The licensing authority has deferred the obligation to submit the results of studies with Comirnaty in the paediatric population in prevention of COVID-19 (see section 4.2 for information on paediatric use).

Not applicable.

Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of repeat dose toxicity and reproductive and developmental toxicity.

General toxicity

Rats intramuscularly administered Comirnaty (receiving 3 full human doses once weekly, generating relatively higher levels in rats due to body weight differences) demonstrated some injection site oedema and erythema and increases in white blood cells (including basophils and eosinophils) consistent with an inflammatory response as well as vacuolation of portal hepatocytes without evidence of liver injury. All effects were reversible.

Genotoxicity/Carcinogenicity

Neither genotoxicity nor carcinogenicity studies were performed. The components of the vaccine (lipids and mRNA) are not expected to have genotoxic potential.

Reproductive toxicity

Reproductive and developmental toxicity were investigated in rats in a combined fertility and developmental toxicity study where female rats were intramuscularly administered Comirnaty prior to mating and during gestation (receiving 4 full human doses that generate relatively higher levels in rat due to body weight differences, spanning between pre-mating day 21 and gestational day 20). SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody responses were present in maternal animals from prior to mating to the end of the study on postnatal day 21 as well as in foetuses and offspring. There were no vaccine-related effects on female fertility, pregnancy, or embryo-foetal or offspring development. No Comirnaty data are available on vaccine placental transfer or excretion in milk.

((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate) (ALC-0315)

2-[(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide (ALC-0159)

1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC)

Cholesterol

Potassium chloride

Potassium dihydrogen phosphate

Sodium chloride

Disodium phosphate dihydrate

Sucrose

Water for injections

Sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment)

Hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment)

This medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products except those mentioned in section 6.6.

Unopened vial

Frozen vial

2 years when stored at -90 ° C to -60 ° C.

Within the 2-year shelf life unopened vials may be stored and transported at -25 ° C to -15 ° C for a single period of up to 2 weeks and can be returned to -90 ° C to -60 ° C.

When stored frozen at -90 ° C to -60 ° C, 195-vial packs of the vaccine can be thawed at 2 ° C to 8 ° C for 3 hours or individual vials can be thawed at room temperature (up to 30 ° C) for 30 minutes.

Thawed vial

1 month at 2 ° C to 8 ° C within the 2-year shelf life.

Within the 1-month shelf life at 2 ° C to 8 ° C, up to 48 hours may be used for transportation.

Prior to use, the unopened vial can be stored for up to 2 hours at temperatures up to 30 ° C.

Thawed vials can be handled in room light conditions.

Once thawed, the vaccine should not be re-frozen.

Handling of temperature excursions once removed from the freezer

Stability data indicate that the unopened vial is stable for up to:

• 24 hours when stored at temperatures from -3 ° C to 2 ° C

• a total of 4 hours when stored at temperatures from 8 ° C to 30 ° C; this includes the 2 hours at up to 30 ° C detailed above

This information is intended to guide healthcare professionals only in case of temporary temperature excursion.

Transfers of frozen vials stored at ultra-low temperature (< -60 ° C)

• Closed-lid vial trays containing 195 vials removed from ultra-low temperature frozen storage (< -60 ° C) may be at temperatures up to 25 ° C for up to 5 minutes.

• Open-lid vial trays, or vial trays containing less than 195 vials, removed from ultra-low temperature frozen storage (< -60 ° C) may be at temperatures up to 25 ° C for up to 3 minutes.

• After vial trays are returned to frozen storage following temperature exposure up to 25 ° C, they must remain in frozen storage for at least 2 hours before they can be removed again.

Transfers of frozen vials stored at -25 ° C to -15 ° C

• Closed-lid vial trays containing 195 vials removed from frozen storage (-25 ° C to -15 ° C) may be at temperatures up to 25 ° C for up to 3 minutes.

• Open-lid vial trays, or vial trays containing less than 195 vials, removed from frozen storage (-25 ° C to -15 ° C) may be at temperatures up to 25 ° C for up to 1 minute.

Once a vial is removed from the vial tray, it should be thawed for use.

Diluted medicinal product

Chemical and physical in-use stability, including during transportation, has been demonstrated for 6 hours at 2 ° C to 30 ° C after dilution in sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for injection. From a microbiological point of view, unless the method of dilution precludes the risk of microbial contamination, the product should be used immediately. If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions are the responsibility of the user.

Store in a freezer at -90 ° C to -60 ° C.

Store in the original package in order to protect from light.

During storage, minimise exposure to room light, and avoid exposure to direct sunlight and ultraviolet light.

For storage conditions after thawing and dilution of the medicinal product, see section 6.3.

0.45 mL concentrate in a 2 mL clear multidose vial (type I glass) with a stopper (synthetic bromobutyl rubber) and a purple flip-off plastic cap with aluminium seal. Each vial contains 6 doses, see section 6.6.

Pack size: 195 vials

Handling instructions prior to use

Comirnaty should be prepared by a healthcare professional using aseptic technique to ensure the sterility of the prepared dispersion.

• Verify that the vial has a purple plastic cap and the product name is Comirnaty 30 micrograms/dose concentrate for dispersion for injection (12 years and older).

• If the vial has another product name on the label, please make reference to the Summary of Product Characteristics for that formulation.

· The vial is stored frozen and must be thawed prior to dilution. Frozen vials should be transferred to an environment of 2 ° C to 8 ° C to thaw; a 195-vial pack may take 3 hours to thaw. Alternatively, frozen vials may also be thawed for 30 minutes at temperatures up to 30 ° C for immediate use.

· The unopened vial can be stored for up to 1 month at 2 ° C to 8 ° C; not exceeding the printed expiry date (EXP). Within the 1-month shelf life at 2 ° C to 8 ° C, up to 48 hours may be used for transportation.

· Allow the thawed vial to come to room temperature. Prior to use, the unopened vial can be stored for up to 2 hours at temperatures up to 30 ° C. Thawed vials can be handled in room light conditions.

Dilution

· Gently invert the vial 10 times prior to dilution. Do not shake.

· Prior to dilution, the thawed dispersion may contain white to off-white opaque amorphous particles.

· The thawed vaccine must be diluted in its original vial with 1.8 mL of sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for injection, using a 21 gauge or narrower needle and aseptic techniques.

· Equalise vial pressure before removing the needle from the vial stopper by withdrawing 1.8 mL air into the empty diluent syringe.

· Gently invert the diluted dispersion 10 times. Do not shake.

· The diluted vaccine should present as an off-white dispersion with no particulates visible. Do not use the diluted vaccine if particulates or discolouration are present.

· The diluted vials should be marked with the appropriate discard date and time.

· After dilution, store at 2 ° C to 30 ° C and use within 6 hours, including any transportation time.

· Do not freeze or shake the diluted dispersion. If refrigerated, allow the diluted dispersion to come to room temperature prior to use.

Preparation of 0.3 mL doses

· After dilution, the vial contains 2.25 mL from which 6 doses of 0.3 mL can be extracted.

· Using aseptic technique, cleanse the vial stopper with a single-use antiseptic swab.

· Withdraw 0.3 mL of Comirnaty.

Low dead-volume syringes and/or needles should be used in order to extract 6 doses from a single vial. The low dead-volume syringe and needle combination should have a dead volume of no more than 35 microlitres. If standard syringes and needles are used, there may not be sufficient volume to extract a sixth dose from a single vial.

· Each dose must contain 0.3 mL of vaccine.

· If the amount of vaccine remaining in the vial cannot provide a full dose of 0.3 mL, discard the vial and any excess volume.

• Discard any unused vaccine within 6 hours after dilution.

Disposal

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.