Moderna says third injection of his COVID-19 vaccine may be needed to protect against variants



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Pharmaceutical company Moderna said its COVID-19 vaccine was 93% effective for up to six months after the second dose, but as new variants of the virus emerge, people who have received the vaccine may need to. a reminder before winter.

The company made the announcement as part of its second quarter earnings release on Thursday.

“We are happy that our Covid-19 vaccine shows lasting efficacy of 93% over six months, but recognize that the Delta variant is a significant new threat, so we must remain vigilant,” said Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel, in a press release with the results. Release. Moderna chairman Stephen Hoge said on a call for results that a third recall “will likely be needed to keep us as safe as possible during the winter season in the northern hemisphere.”

The company is investigating what type of booster will provide the best long-term protection against the Delta variant and other possible variants of the coronavirus. Moderna said a third shot of the original vaccine and new versions have demonstrated “robust antibody responses to the COVID-19 variants of concern.”

On Wednesday, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) called for a moratorium on COVID-19 booster injections in high-income countries, citing the lack of access of low-income countries to vaccines. But White House press secretary Jen Psaki told a press briefing on Wednesday that the WHO was offering a “false choice,” noting that the United States had already donated 110 million doses. vaccine to other countries. “We must do more. But we think we can do both, ”Psaki added.

Moderna said it sold $ 5.9 billion of its coronavirus vaccine in the six-month period ending June 30, for a total of 302 million doses. The company reported net profit of $ 2.8 billion on total revenue of $ 4.4 billion for the three months ending June 30, up from $ 67 million in the previous year quarter. .

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