London, United Kingdom – The COVID-19 vaccine developed by Moderna has today been given regulatory approval for supply by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) becoming the third Covid-19 vaccine to be given approval for administration in the UK.
This follows a thorough and rigorous assessment by the MHRA’s teams of scientists, including advice from the independent Commission on Human Medicines, which reviewed in depth all the data to ensure this vaccine meets the required standards of safety, quality and effectiveness. This is the third COVID-19 vaccine to be approved for use by the MHRA and is the second mRNA vaccine, the Pfizer vaccine approved in December 2020 being the first.
Chief Executive of MHRA Dr June Raine said that this approval brings more encouraging news to the public and the healthcare sector. Dr June also added that having a third COVID-19 vaccine approved for supply following a robust and thorough assessment of all the available data is an important goal to have achieved and that she is proud that the agency has helped to make this a reality.
In addition to this, Dr June said that once in use, all COVID-19 vaccines are continually monitored by the MHRA as this ensures that the benefits in protecting people against COVID-19 continue to far outweigh any potential side-effects. She also noted that even if you have had a vaccine, it is vital that everyone follows the national lockdown restrictions and remembers ‘stay alert, protect the NHS and save lives’ at all times.
This Moderna vaccine works by injecting a small part of the COVID-19 virus’ genetic code, which triggers an immune response and creates antibodies in the human body able to fight the virus. The dosage for this specific vaccine requires two doses to be given. It is recommended to administer the second dose 28 days after the first. It is approved for use in people 18 years and over, and it can be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women following a discussion with their healthcare provider on the benefits and risks.
The vaccine can be stored at -20°C for up to six months. Anyone with a previous history of allergic reactions to the ingredients of the vaccine should not receive it, but those with any other allergies such as a food allergy can have the vaccine.