As reported by BBC News, a dual vaccine which tackles both the original COVID virus and the newer Omicron variant has been approved in the UK
The vaccine will be part of the autumn booster campaign. Pharmaceutical company Moderna believes that 13m doses of the new vaccine will be available this year, while 26m people are already eligible for a form of booster.
Health officials have recommended people take any booster offered to them.
The original vaccines still provide protection for those suffering from COVID, but companies such as Moderna, are altering them to match the virus as it evolves.
COVID cases are currently on the decline in the UK. By the end of July 2022, approximately 2.5m people had tested positive.
The latest Moderna vaccine, called Spikevax, targets both the original strain and the first Omicron variant (BA.1) which emerged in the winter of 2021. This is known as a bivalent vaccine as it targets two forms of a virus.
The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has approved the vaccine for use in adults.
Dr June Raine, the regulator’s chief executive, said: “What this bivalent vaccine gives us is a sharpened tool in our armoury to help protect us against this disease as the virus continues to evolve”.
In England, Health Secretary Steve Barclay commented that it was “very good news for the UK population” and those eligible “will have the comfort of knowing that their immunity has been topped up”.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advises governments across the UK, has confirmed the following groups should be offered a form of booster from early September:
health and social care staff
everyone aged 50 and over
carers who are over the age of 16
people over five whose health puts them at greater risk, this includes pregnant women
people over five who share a house with somebody with a weakened immune system
The rapid variant spread causes the immunisation campaign to be expanded and people aged between 50 and 65, to now be in line to be jabbed.
However, most under 50 will not be boosted in the coming months and the focus remains on those most at risk.
Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Adverse events relating to CSL Seqirus products should also be reported to Seqirus UK Limited on 01748 828816.
1. Seqirus Data on File, August 2023. SREF–17994. 2. Adjuvanted Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (surface antigen, inactivated)▼ Summary of Product Characteristics. 3. Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (surface antigen, inactivated)▼ Summary of Product Characteristics.
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