In a release on Wed., Moderna announced that data has shown a new version of its COVID vaccine to be more effective in protecting against the virus.
Their studies reportedly show that the new dose offers recipients better chances of producing antibodies against Omicron. Dr Stephen Hodge, president of Moderna, has said that the company believes the findings support the implementation of the new vaccine.
With concerns over waning vaccine immunity and the potential for a surge in cases in the fall, these results should be celebrated. Though some are worried about what role COVID will have in our daily lives when summer draws to a close, a highly effective bivalent vaccine could be the first step on the roadmap to annual COVID treatments and a return to normality.
Whilst Moderna deserves credit for developing and rolling out an effective COVID vaccine with astounding speed, they are now profiteering from the virus. The pharmaceutical giant made $7.3B in after-tax profits in the first three quarters of 2021, now it is seeking further authorization to continue global sales.