Download the COVID-19 Vaccine Updates for the 2026-2027 Respiratory Season Memo (PDF)
The purpose of this memo is to provide North Carolina Immunization Program (NCIP) providers with the latest information on the 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine. Please take time to carefully review this memo in full. COVID-19 vaccines for VFC-eligible patients are now available to order through NCIR.
On August 27, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccines. NCIP is providing COVID-19 vaccine for VFC-eligible patients in accordance with the NCIP Coverage Criteria. CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for people ages 6 months and older using individual-based (shared clinical) decision-making.
VFC COVID-19 Vaccines Available for 2026-2027 Season
| NDC | Manufacturer | Brand | Presentation | Age Group Covered | Storage Guidelines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80777-0115-80 | Moderna | Spikevax® 2026-2027 Formula (6m-11y) | 0.25mL single dose pre-filled syringe, 10 pack | VFC children 6 mos. - 11 years of age | Frozen (-50°C to -15°C) or 60 days refrigerated (2°C to 8°C) |
| 80777-0114-96 | Moderna | Spikevax® 2026-2027 Formula (12y+) | 0.5mL single dose pre-filled syringe, 10 pack | VFC children 12 - 18 years of age | Frozen (-50°C to -15°C) or 60 days refrigerated (2°C to 8°C) |
| 80777-0401-60 | Moderna | mNexspike® 2026-2027 Formula (12y+) | 0.2mL single dose pre-filled syringe, 10 pack | VFC children 12 - 18 years of age | Refrigerated (2°C to 8°C) |
| 49281-0026-50 | Sanofi | Nuvaxovid™ 2026-2027 Formula (12y+) | 0.5mL single dose pre-filled syringe, 10 pack | VFC children 12 - 18 years of age | Refrigerated (2°C to 8°C) |
| 00069-2609-10 | Pfizer | Comirnaty® 2026-2027 Formula (5-11y) | 0.3mL single dose vial, 10 pack | VFC children 5 - 11 years of age | ULC (-90°C to -60°C) or 10 weeks refrigerated (2°C to 8°C) |
| 0069-2631-10 | Pfizer | Comirnaty® 2026-2027 Formula (12y+) | 0.3mL single dose pre-filled syringe, 10 pack | VFC children 12 - 18 years of age | Refrigerated (2°C to 8°C) |
Key Points
- Since the approval of the 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccines, any remaining 2025-2026 doses on hand are no longer recommended. They should be removed from storage, recorded in NCIR as wasted, and returned per routine NCIP vaccine wastage guidelines (PPT). Providers should choose “Recall” as the wastage reason.
- VFC provider stock: While encouraged, VFC providers are not required to routinely stock COVID-19 vaccines but must refer VFC-eligible children to a safety net provider (e.g., Local Health Department) if needed. LHDs should maintain a minimum VFC stock to support referrals.
- For VFC providers who maintain private stock of COVID-19 vaccine and vaccinate privately insured children, bidirectional borrowing of COVID-19 vaccine is allowed. As with other routine VFC vaccines, borrowing should be rare and all borrowed doses must be repaid (dose for dose) within 30 days. This follows the VFC borrowing and replacement policy.
- Due to uncertain demand of the COVID-19 vaccine, providers will not be penalized for expired or outdated vaccines.
- Only NCIP providers can order the 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccines for their VFC eligible populations through NCIR.
- NCIP is unable to offer 317 VFA 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccines this season.
Providers are encouraged to review the NCDHHS COVID-19 web page, COVID-19 Clinical Considerations Guidance, and talk with their patients about protecting them from COVID-19.
How to contact us:
For assistance, please contact the NCIP Help Desk by phone at 1.877.USE.NCIR (873-6247), by email, or submit a ticket through the NCIP Help Desk Portal.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and dedication to improving immunization outcomes in North Carolina.
In Health,
NC Department of Health and Human Services
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This page was last modified on 10/02/2026