Moderna has asked the FDA to authorize a booster of its COVID-19 vaccine
Click to enlarge the image. Caption Juana Miyer/Long Visual Press/Universal Imag Juana Miyer/Long Visual Press/Universal Imag
According to data submitted by the company to the Food and Drug Administration Wednesday, a third dose of Moderna vaccine six months after the first two doses significantly increases immunity.
This data is based on 344 volunteers who received an additional dose of vaccine in a clinical trial. The company stated that antibodies had declined significantly in six months following vaccination. However, the third dose of the vaccine boosted the level of antibodies even though it was only half the amount. According to the company, protection was increased in all age groups, but especially among older adults (65 and over).
Moderna announced the news in a press release. However, the research has not been peer-reviewed.
Pfizer BioNTech also requested authorization for a booster dose. To discuss boosters for the general public, the FDA has set September 17th for a meeting.
For some people with immunocompromised conditions, the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended that a third dose be given of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.
According to the White House's August 18th announcement, health officials have already begun to distribute COVID-19 boosters. According to the plan, all adults who have received a 2-dose vaccine will be eligible for an additional jab within eight months of receiving their first shot.
Johnson & Johnson released a press release August 25th, containing preliminary results from a small study that suggested that a second shot with its vaccine might increase antibody levels rapidly in recipients. Health officials expect a separate booster recommendation for J&J to be issued soon.
The World Health Organization calls for a moratorium in booster shots as the poorer countries are far behind in vaccine distribution. It also urges richer countries to do all they can to ensure that the rest of the world is vaccinated.
