Moderna’s COVID-19 booster shot appears to offer protection against the omicron variant, according to the company.
Moderna said Monday that early lab test data shows the current COVID-19 booster shot led to increased antibody levels, which helped neutralize the virus.
- The company said two shots of the booster dose provided even more support.
Overall, Moderna said that its first booster shot — which is 50 micrograms of the vaccine — increased antibodies against omicron 37-fold compared to before the booster shot.
- However, the company said a 100 microgram dose could increase antibody levels by 83-fold.
Moderna chief executive officer Stéphane Bancel said this is good news amid the surge of cases, according to NBC News.
- “The dramatic increase in Covid-19 cases from the omicron variant is concerning to all. However, these data ... are reassuring,” Bancel said.
- He added: “To respond to this highly transmissible variant, Moderna will continue to rapidly advance an omicron-specific booster candidate into clinical testing in case it becomes necessary in the future.”
A recent study suggested that two doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine may be less effective against the omicron variant, as I wrote for the Deseret News.
- The study reviewed 30 blood samples from patients who received two doses of the Moderna vaccine.
- Researchers tested those samples against a pseudovirus version of the omicron virus, per The Hill.
- Scientists found antibody levels dropped by 50% against omicron.
Experts have maintained that getting fully vaccinated and adding a booster shot can keep you well protected against COVID-19 and any COVID-19 variants out there right now.