Multi-Strain COVID-19 Vaccines Might Be Coming, After Moderna Reports Promising Study Results
In the study, which involved nearly 900 people who had been vaccinated with a primary series of two doses of Moderna’s original vaccine, received a booster of the new vaccine at least six months after the initial shots. About 300 people received a half-dose booster, and nearly 600 received a full dose of the new shot.
While antibodies contribute to only one type of immunity provided by vaccines, they are important for lowering the risk of getting infected with the virus, as well as reducing the chances of developing severe symptoms of COVID-19. The half dose of the new vaccine wasn’t associated with any more adverse events than the currently authorized half-dose booster against the original strain. The full dose of the new vaccine, however, was linked to a slightly higher risk of side effects, similar to the full dose of the original booster, reinforcing the company’s previous decision to request authorization of its original booster at half the dose of the primary series.
While the results of the latest study are promising, Moderna is also studying a combination booster that targets Omicron and the original strain. Those results are expected later this spring. Given the prevalence of Omicron and its subvariant BA.2 around the world, the company’s scientists expect that the combined Omicron booster might be a stronger candidate for consideration as the U.S.
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