BRUSSELS (Reuters) – An Omicron-specific booster could be ready by August, the CEO of U.S. biotech firm Moderna told Reuters, but the firm is still gathering clinical data to determine whether that vaccine would offer better protection than a new dose of the existing jab. Last month Moderna began clinical trials for a booster dose specifically designed to target Omicron but initial results from studies in monkeys show the Omicron-specific shot may not offer stronger protection than a new dose of the existing vaccine. Moderna chief executive Stephane Bancel said in an interview the company aimed to have a booster ready by August 2022, before next autumn when he said more vulnerable people may need it. Moderna’s vaccines use mRNA technology to provoke an immune response, similar to the shot developed by Pfizer/BioNTech.
“We believe a booster will be needed. I don’t know yet if it is going to be the existing vaccine, Omicron-only, or bivalent: Omicron and existing vaccine, two mRNA in one dose.”
He said a decision would be made in the coming months when clinical data becomes available. Bancel also confirmed that under the best-case scenario Moderna would have ready by August 2023 a so-called pan-vaccine which would protect simultaneously against COVID-19, flu and other respiratory diseases. He added that pricing for this vaccine under development would be “very similar” to that applied to the current vaccine. Moderna charges different prices for different regions of the world with a range between $15 and $37, according to UNICEF, a United Nations agency involved in the distribution of vaccines to poorer nations. NN: many people are delaying their 4th shot. It is because of bogus information being spread that their will be a booster in March with new RNA targeting the latest variants. That is just not true.Try August! If your last vaccine is more than 4 months old your protection has dropped. Lets face facts we are into a 4 times a year regiment. We are averaging 3 major new variants a year, The latest wave the Omicron variant has run its course. BUT unfortunately its just not that easy. Their are several variants that are warming up in the wings. Do not get all silly on me. Another wave is coming. The messaging has been dismal. Reality is the science is evolving like science is suppose to do. The reason the messaging keeps changing is simple. Their are new mutations and we learn more every day. Its the nature of the beast.