Comirnaty® Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccine

Comirnaty® Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccine

This product is manufactured by Pfizer Canada Inc. using the ingredient COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, monovalent (XBB.1.5 Variant)].

This product is taken via intramuscular injection.

Why is it prescribed?

This vaccine is used to help prevent COVID-19 infections in those 6 months of age and older

Medicinal ingredient: mRNA (raxtozinameran)
Non-medicinal ingredients:

  • ALC-0315 = ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate)
  • ALC-0159 = 2-[(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide
  • cholesterol
  • DSPC = 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine
  • sodium chloride
  • sucrose
  • tromethamine hydrochloride
  • water for injection

It is important to note that infected people can spread COVID-19 even if they have no symptoms.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include

  • cough
  • shortness of breath
  • fever, chills
  • tiredness
  • loss of smell or taste

Some people infected with the virus have no symptoms at all, while others have symptoms that range from mild to severe.

You cannot get COVID-19 from this vaccine.
People who were diagnosed with COVID-19 after receiving the recommended vaccine series were significantly less likley to be hospitalized or die, particularly if they received additional doses.

You will be asked to wait at least 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine to be sure you are feeling well.


Alternatives

Other products that have the same ingredient as Comirnaty® Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccine are •Spikevax™ XBB.1.5 vaccine •

See other products used in the treatment of •COVID-19 •

The dose of Comirnaty® Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccine depends on your age and the product used.  One dose is given except for: 

  • Children 6 mos - 4 years of age who have not had a COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to receive two doses given four to eight weeks apart. Moderately to severely immunosuppressed children can receive an additional dose.
     


This vaccine uses mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) to give the "code" for the body to make antibodies to this virus. These antibodies help fight the virus if exposed at a later date. The vaccine can help prevent a COVID-19 infection or to make the infection much milder than it would be otherwise.


Common adverse events (≥ 10%) 

  • pain, swelling/tenderness, redness at the injection site
  • fatigue
  • headache
  • muscle or joint aches
  • chills
  • fever
  • nausea/vomiting
  • decreased appetite 
  • enlarged lymph nodes 
  • decreased sense of touch or sensation, numbness or tingling, itching or pricking sensations
  • dizziness   

Rare adverse events - Anyone experiencing the symptoms below should seek medical attention:

  • chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular or fast/pounding heartbeat.
  • hives; swelling of face, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing.
  • weakness or paralysis on one side of the face.
     

Do not use if you are allergic to any of the components of this vaccine. 

Vaccination should be postponed if you have an acute severe illness with a fever. If is a mild illness with no fever, vaccination may proceed.

If you have a bleeding disorder in which intramuscular injections are not recommended, you should not receive this vaccine.

Although this vaccine is safe for most people:

  • If you have cancer, consult with your cancer care team before receiving vaccinations
  • if you have a condition or are on a medication that weakens your immune system, consult your healthcare providers before getting vaccinated.

Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding: It is highly recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding individuals receive COVID-19 vaccination.  mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (such as this one) are preferred on account of more safety data.