bretovameran at a glance
Class
Nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccine carried in lipid nanoparticles.
Role
Active immunisation to help prevent COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2.
Presentation
Paediatric multidose concentrate requiring dilution and injection into a muscle by a trained healthcare professional.
Availability
The selected JN.1 infant presentation was marked retired on eMC on 29 July 2026; campaign products and eligibility can change.
What is bretovameran used for?
The selected presentation was licensed for:
Active immunisation against COVID-19 in children aged 6 months to 4 years.
Use according to current official vaccination recommendations; licensing does not mean every child is routinely eligible in every campaign.
How does bretovameran work?
Lipid nanoparticles deliver non-replicating mRNA into cells. The mRNA briefly directs production of the JN.1 spike antigen, stimulating antibody and cellular immune responses, before being broken down naturally.
bretovameran preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 3 micrograms/dose, 10 micrograms/dose, 30 micrograms/dose
How to take bretovameran
A healthcare professional dilutes the concentrate using aseptic technique and injects it into a muscle. For infants under 1 year, the usual site is the thigh; for older children within the licensed age range, the thigh or upper arm may be used.
Do not shake, self-inject or mix it in the same syringe with another vaccine or medicine.
Tell the vaccinator about allergies, previous vaccine reactions, current illness, bleeding problems, medicines and recent vaccinations.
bretovameran side effects
Common or expected effects
- Injection-site pain, tenderness or swelling
- Fever or chills
- Tiredness or headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Diarrhoea
- Irritability or drowsiness in younger infants
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis: sudden breathing difficulty, collapse, widespread hives, or swelling of the face, tongue or throat
- Myocarditis or pericarditis: chest pain, breathlessness or palpitations
- Symptoms that are severe, worsening or causing significant concern
bretovameran in pregnancy
The selected infant and young-child presentation is not intended for a pregnant person. Eligible people may receive an age-appropriate bretovameran presentation during pregnancy; current guidance supports COVID-19 vaccination at any stage of pregnancy, with individual discussion for complex circumstances.
bretovameran while breastfeeding
The selected paediatric presentation is not intended for the breastfeeding parent. Eligible people may receive an age-appropriate COVID-19 vaccine while breastfeeding. Available evidence has not identified harm to breastfed infants, and breastfeeding does not need to stop.
bretovameran interactions
Bretovameran has few conventional medicine interactions, but treatment and vaccination context can affect administration or immune response.
Immunosuppressants, chemotherapy and immune-modifying treatments
The immune response may be reduced. Coordinate vaccination with the treating specialist and do not stop treatment without specialist advice.
Warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants
These do not directly interact with the vaccine, but injection into a muscle may increase bruising or bleeding. Appropriate precautions are needed.
Other vaccines
Other indicated vaccines may be given at the same visit or separately, using different syringes and injection sites.
Common questions about bretovameran
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is bretovameran a live vaccine?
No. It contains non-replicating mRNA and no live coronavirus.
Can bretovameran cause COVID-19?
No. It cannot cause SARS-CoV-2 infection, although an infection may coincidentally develop around the time of vaccination.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.