Moderna’s vaccine targets both the original strain and the first omicron variant (BA.1). It is known as the bivalent vaccine, because it is intended to fight two forms of coronavirus.
The United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has evaluated the tests and approved the vaccine for use in adults.
“The first generation of Covid vaccines continues to provide important protection against disease and save lives. What this bivalent vaccine gives us is a sharp tool in our arsenal to help us protect ourselves from disease while the virus continues to evolve,” said John Ren, executive director of the regulator.
The results of tests conducted on 437 people showed that the updated vaccine is safe and gives better immune protection against the newer variants.
Levels of antibodies that were able to bind to and deactivate the omicron (BA.1) were higher in people who received the new vaccine. Tests against newer omicron variants (BA.4 and BA.5) have also been shown to have higher levels of protection with the updated vaccine.
However, it is uncertain what we will face in the coming months and how the updated vaccine will perform.
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