UK approves Omicron-updated Moderna COVID-19 booster vaccine

• The UK has change into the primary nation to approve Moderna’s bivalent COVID-19 vaccine.
• The vaccine was developed to focus on each the unique pressure and Omicron BA.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
• The Joint committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JVCI) will resolve how the brand new vaccine might be supplied and if will probably be included in its wider fall immunization program towards COVID-19 and the flu.

It is a growing story. The article might be up to date as extra data turns into obtainable.

The U.Ok.’s Medicines and Healthcare merchandise Regulatory Company (MHRA) introduced on Monday, August 15 that it had formally authorised Moderna’s new up to date COVID-19 vaccine focusing on two totally different coronavirus variants.

In a press launch, the MHRA stated the vaccine can be used as a booster dose in adults after the vaccine handed exams of security, high quality, and effectiveness.

The booster dose is bivalent, which means that it may possibly struggle two totally different variants of the virus. It’s known as “Spikevax bivalent Unique/Omicron” and incorporates 50 micrograms of mRNA, half of which targets the unique variant from 2020, and the opposite half targets Omicron BA.1.

“The primary technology of COVID-19 vaccines getting used within the U.Ok. proceed to offer vital safety towards the illness and save lives. What this bivalent vaccine offers us is a sharpened device in our armory to assist defend us towards this illness because the virus continues to evolve,” stated Dr. June Raine, MHRA chief govt.

The vaccine might be obtainable in England, Scotland, and Wales, whereas Northern Eire has acquired an emergency use authorization.

The U.Ok. Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation will now resolve whether or not the up to date vaccine might be used within the nation’s fall COVID-19 booster program, which it goals to finish by December 2022.