Moderna Singapore announced that the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has approved/authorised Spikevax® XFG, Moderna’s updated COVID-19 mRNA vaccine targeting the SARS-CoV-2 XFG variant, for active immunisation against COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 in Singapore.

Spikevax XFG is the first COVID-19 vaccine targeting the JN.1-lineage XFG variant to be authorised by HSA for use in Singapore as of 18 August 2026. The updated vaccine is designed to target XFG, a JN.1-lineage variant of SARS-CoV-2 that has been predominant globally [1] in recent months. It uses mRNA technology to give the body’s cells instructions to make the virus’s spike protein, helping the immune system recognise it and build an immune response. The authorisation comes as global public health, and regulatory authorities continue to review and update COVID-19 vaccine formulations as the virus evolves. For 2026–2027, European and U.S. regulators have identified XFG as the preferred JN.1-lineage variant for updated vaccines, while World Health Organization (WHO) has said that XFG-targeting vaccine formulations may be used when supported by evidence of a strong immune response against COVID-19 variants that are currently circulating.

“HSA authorisation of Spikevax XFG reflects the importance of continuing to evolve our approach to COVID-19 prevention as the virus changes over time,” said Evelyn Pang, General Manager of Moderna Singapore. “The availability of an updated vaccine targeting the XFG variant provides healthcare professionals and patients with an additional option as part of ongoing efforts to protect those at increased risk of severe COVID-19.”

“COVID-19 does not need to be making headlines for prevention to matter,” said Dr Leong Hoe Nam, Medical Director, Rophi Clinic and Senior Consultant Infectious Diseases Physician. “For older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems and those living with chronic conditions, COVID-19 repeatedly causes serious illness and upends everyday life. Endemic means a persistent daily threat and not harmlessness. Staying up to date with vaccination is a practical and crucial way to help reduce this threat for those at risk, in line with national recommendations.”

“As Singapore's population ages, prevention has an increasingly important role in helping people stay healthy, independent and active,” said Dr Leong Choon Kit, Family Medicine Specialist, Mission (Hougang) Medical Clinic, and co-author of Singapore’s Adult Vaccination Guidelines. “For many people, especially older and those with chronic conditions, a timely conversation with a doctor can help ensure preventive care is considered alongside their broader health needs. An updated COVID-19 vaccines gives healthcare professionals another option when discussing prevention with patients, taking into account their age, health conditions and individual circumstances.”

"Many people are surprised to learn that influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given during the same visit, where clinically appropriate," said Dr Aziz Noordin, Family Physician and Director, Tampines Family Medicine Clinic, and Chairperson of GP+ Co-operative. "They are caused by different viruses, but both can cause serious illness in older adults and people with chronic medical conditions. Discussing both vaccines during one visit can be a simple, practical way to stay up to date with recommended vaccinations, with advice tailored to individual health needs."

In Singapore, COVID-19 vaccination continues to be recommended for people at increased risk of severe illness, including those aged 60 and above, medically vulnerable individuals aged six months and above, and residents of aged-care facilities. Healthcare workers and those living or working with medically vulnerable individuals are also encouraged to consider vaccination, while others aged six months and above may choose to receive it.

Spikevax XFG is approved in Singapore as a multidose vial presentation for individuals aged six months and older and as a pre-filled syringe presentation for individuals aged 12 years and older. The vaccine should be administered in accordance with the approved product information and official vaccination recommendations.