Comirnaty JN.1 (Bretovameran)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Comirnaty JN.1 Used For?
Comirnaty JN.1 is an mRNA vaccine designed to protect against COVID-19 disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can be given to adults, infants, and children from 6 months of age and older.
Primary Uses
Prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in adults, infants and children from 6 months of age and older.
How It Works
Comirnaty JN.1 works by triggering your immune system to produce antibodies and blood cells that work against the virus, to protect against COVID-19 disease.
Important: You may not be protected against COVID-19 disease until at least seven days after the last dose of your primary vaccination schedule. It is very important you complete your primary vaccination.
How to Take Comirnaty JN.1
Comirnaty JN.1 is given as an injection into the muscle of your upper arm or thigh by a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. The dosing schedule varies by age group.
Dosage Instructions
For children and adults 5 years of age and older: one dose followed by a second dose at least 21 days later as primary vaccination. For infants and children 6 months to less than 5 years of age: a third dose will be given at least 8 weeks after the second dose as part of primary vaccination. If you are immunocompromised, you may receive a third dose at least 28 days after the second dose. Additional dose(s) may be given at least 3 months after the previous dose for people 5 years of age and older.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss the second dose, ask your doctor for advice. If you receive one dose of Comirnaty JN.1, you should continue to receive the same vaccine to complete the primary vaccination schedule.
Important: A doctor, nurse or pharmacist will observe you for at least 15 minutes after being given the vaccine.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Pain/swelling/tenderness at injection site
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Chills
- Joint pain
- Fever
- Irritability (in 6 months to less than 2 years of age)
- Redness at injection site
- Nausea
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe allergic reaction
- Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, hives or swelling of the face
- Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) or inflammation of the lining outside the heart (pericarditis) which can result in chest pain, breathlessness and/or palpitations
- Temporary one-sided facial drooping
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations and medical conditions to discuss with your healthcare provider before receiving Comirnaty JN.1.
Who Should Not Take Comirnaty JN.1
You should not be given Comirnaty JN.1 if you are allergic to bretovameran or any of the ingredients in the vaccine. Comirnaty JN.1 should not be given to infants under 6 months of age.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have had: a severe allergic reaction or breathing problems after any other vaccine or after being given any other Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine in the past; fainted following any needle injection; a severe illness or infection with high fever; a weakened immune system or are on a medicine that affects your immune system; a bleeding disorder, bruise easily or are on a blood thinning medicine.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before you receive this vaccine.
Heart Inflammation: Very rare cases of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart) have been reported. Be alert to signs such as breathlessness, palpitations and chest pain, and seek immediate medical attention should these occur.
Drug Interactions
It’s important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications and vaccines you are taking or have recently received.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including medicines, vitamins or supplements bought without prescription
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have recently received any other vaccine
Alcohol & Driving
Some side effects of Comirnaty JN.1 may temporarily affect your ability to drive or use machines.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive, cycle or use any machines or tools until you know how Comirnaty JN.1 affects you. Some of the side effects may temporarily affect your ability to drive, cycle or use machines.
Storage
A doctor, nurse or pharmacist will prepare the injection for you before you are given it and will dispose of any unused vaccine.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may not be protected against COVID-19 disease until at least seven days after the last dose of your primary vaccination schedule.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before you receive this vaccine.
A healthcare provider will observe you for at least 15 minutes after vaccination. Be alert to signs of heart inflammation such as breathlessness, palpitations and chest pain, and seek immediate medical attention if these occur.
For children and adults 5 years and older: two doses at least 21 days apart. For infants and children 6 months to less than 5 years: three doses, with the third dose given at least 8 weeks after the second. Additional doses may be given at least 3 months later.
If you are immunocompromised, you may receive a third dose of the vaccine at least 28 days after the second dose as part of the primary vaccination.
If you receive one dose of Comirnaty JN.1, you should continue to receive the same vaccine to complete the primary vaccination schedule.
If you start to feel faint at any time during the process of receiving your injection, let your healthcare provider know and take actions to avoid falling, such as sitting or lying down.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.