MRNA Stock Up on Full FDA Nod for COVID-19 Jab in Pediatric Patients

Core Insights - Moderna (MRNA) received FDA approval for its COVID-19 vaccine, Spikevax, for children aged six months to 11 years at increased risk for the disease [1][6] - The vaccine was previously available under Emergency Use Authorization [1][6] - Following the announcement, Moderna's shares increased by 4.5% [1] Group 1: FDA Approval and Vaccine Availability - Spikevax is now fully approved for adults aged 65 and above, and individuals aged six months to 64 years at increased risk for severe COVID-19 [2] - The updated Spikevax will be available for eligible patients during the 2025-2026 vaccination season in the U.S. [2][6] Group 2: Stock Performance - Year-to-date, Moderna's shares have decreased by 17.5%, while the industry has seen a growth of 0.2% [3] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Other COVID-19 vaccines include Pfizer (PFE)/BioNTech's (BNTX) Comirnaty and Novavax's (NVAX) Nuvaxovid, with Comirnaty also using mRNA technology [4] - Novavax's Nuvaxovid is the only non-mRNA vaccine in the U.S. and has received full approval for older adults and high-risk individuals aged 12-64 [7] Group 4: Company Ranking - Moderna currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [8]