Moderna started its omicron-specific COVID-19 booster test in healthy adults.
According to an announcement made by the company on Wednesday, the first participant had received a dose. Earlier this week, competitor Pfizer began a similar study of its own reformulated injections.
So far it is unclear whether global health authorities will order a change in the vaccine prescription in the wake of the highly contagious omicron variant. The original vaccines still offer good protection against death and serious illness.
While studies in the US and elsewhere show that a booster dose strengthens that protection and improves the chances of avoiding even a milder infection.
The company Moderna pointed to a small study published in the New England Journal of Medicine on Wednesday that showed antibodies capable of attacking omicron persisted for six months after a booster dose, though levels were falling.
Meanwhile, Moderna’s new study will enroll about 600 people who have already received two doses of the company’s original injections or two plus a booster dose. All volunteers will receive a dose of the experimental version paired with omicrons. Source: Local 10.
