Fresh and Informal Take on Moderna's New Low-Dose COVID-19 Vaccine
Federal health agency endorses reduced-dose Moderna coronavirus vaccination
The FDA's recently approved Moderna's new COVID-19 vaccine, mNexspike, taking us one step closer to next-gen coronavirus jabs. This new vaccination comes in a lower dose, about a fifth of their existing one, thanks to refining the immune target.
According to Moderna's CEO, Stephane Bancel, this latest vaccine is an essential addition for safeguarding people at high risk of severe COVID-19. So, who can get it? Adults aged 65 and over, along with those between 12 to 64 struggling with a health condition that raises their COVID-19 risk.
The FDA's move follows similar restrictions set for Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine option, marking a shift from the broad usage of vaccines thus far. Previous governmental skepticism about vaccines, notably from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and others, seems to have influenced these limits.
Unlike the new vaccine, Moderna's existing vaccine has been universally available for anyone ages 6 months and older. Meanwhile, Moderna anticipates offering both options this fall.
The news follows a few days after the cancellation of funding for Moderna's development of a potential pandemic flu virus vaccine, despite promising early results.
Risk Factors for Eligibility
The new low-dose Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is intended for specially identified groups. These are:
- Adults 65 years and over: Anyone falling into this age group can receive the vaccine.
- 12 to 64-year-olds: Access is limited to those with an increased risk of severe COVID-19. This typically encompasses individuals with underlying health conditions, such as chronic lung diseases, heart conditions, immunocompromised conditions, and diabetes, to name a few. The CDC provides the complete and current list of qualifying conditions on their website.
Remember, this outline only sums up the major points. For a more comprehensive understanding, make sure to consult the CDC's official guidelines on COVID-19 vaccine eligibility.
- The new low-dose Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, mNexspike, has been approved by the FDA and is primarily intended for adults aged 65 and over, as well as individuals between 12 to 64 with underlying health conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID-19.
- You can find the complete and current list of qualifying health conditions for the vaccine on the CDC's website.
- This vaccine is an essential addition for people at high risk of severe COVID-19, and its rollout follows similar restrictions set for Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine.
- While the new vaccine is intended for specific groups, Moderna's existing COVID-19 vaccine, which is universally available for anyone ages 6 months and older, is still accessible. Moderna anticipates offering both options this fall.
