The Omicron variation is targeted by half of it, and the original viral strain is targeted by the other half.A dual COVID-19 vaccination that addresses both the original viral strain and the more recent Omicron variation has just been approved in the UK, according to a statement from the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. This is a first for the entire world (MHRA).
The booster shot from Moderna, known as a “bivalent” vaccination, contains 25 micrograms of the original 2020 viral strain plus 25 micrograms of the Omicron variety.
The bivalent vaccine produced a potent immune response against the original SARS-CoV-2 strain as well as Omicron BA.4 and BA.5, two subvariants that have recently emerged as the predominant variants in circulation worldwide, according to trials that led to the approval.
Furthermore, according to the research, the bivalent vaccine is equally safe to use as the original Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, with most side effects being minor and quickly going away.
“The SARS-CoV-2 virus is constantly changing to circumvent the immunity that vaccinations provide. With its capacity to elicit a broader immune response than the original vaccination, this innovative bivalent vaccine represents the next step in the development of vaccines to thwart the virus, according to a statement from Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed, Chair of the Commission on Human Medicines.
The UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI) will decide whether the bivalent vaccine will be introduced into the nation’s vaccination program prior to the upcoming winter now that it has obtained the MHRA’s approval.
The first generation of COVID-19 vaccinations, which are still in use in the UK, continue to offer vital disease protection and save lives. As the virus continues to change, this bivalent vaccine gives us a more effective weapon in our arsenal to help defend us against this disease, noted Dr. June Raine, Chief Executive of the MHRA.
