May 31 (UPI) -- The Food and Drug Administration has approved Moderna's new COVID-19 vaccine, days after the federal government tightened vaccine standards for the virus.

The FDA a nnounced Friday that mNEXSPIKE can be given to adults 65 and older and those 12 to 64 with at least one underlying condition that could put them at risk of severe infection. Recipients also must have been previously vaccinated for COVID-19.

The company, headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., said Saturday it expects to have the vaccine available for the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season. Moderna also produces Spikevax for COVID-19, and mRESVIA for the respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.

"The FDA approval of our third product, mNEXSPIKE, adds an important new tool to help protect people at high risk of

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