New data released on the effectiveness of Moderna’s COVID vaccine

DETROIT – Encouraging new data has been published regarding the effectiveness of the Moderna COVID vaccine.

There is still disagreement on if, and when, a booster might be needed for otherwise healthy people. Moderna said his COVID vaccine remains highly effective for at least six months.

This does not mean that the effectiveness decreases after that, it is just when the last data was analyzed. It is essential to remember that this was before the delta variant was no longer common.

Moderna sought full approval for its vaccine from the FDA in June. He now plans to submit the final data needed to complete the application this month.

Read: What is a COVID-19 vaccine “breakthrough” case?

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The most recent efficacy data comes from the analysis of Moderna’s clinical trial that began in July of last year. It had about 30,000 participants. The initial efficiency was 94.1%. Six months after the second dose it was still 93%

It is important to note that the data was collected before the delta variant became dominant in the United States. Ahead of a results update, Moderna’s president said the company believes boosters will be needed this fall to process the delta variant.

Pfizer has made similar statements, but federal health officials continue to stand there is no significant signal that boosters are still needed.

On Thursday, the White House COVID response team announced plans to offer boosters to people with compromised immune systems. Israel, Germany and France all plan to offer reminders to groups at risk.

Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson are all testing the impact of booster shots on some of the participants in their initial trials. The data will be critical in helping health officials determine if recalls will be needed.

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Read: Michigan issues COVID guidelines for next school year, urges universal masking

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