The WHO’s strategic advisory group for experts on immunization, known as Sage, recommended that the jab be given at an interval of 28 days, but said that it could be extended by two weeks under exceptional circumstances.
“The most important recommendation for the use of this vaccine is that based on the current elements we recommend, it should be given in doses of 100 micrograms or 0.5 ml with an interval of 28 days,” said Alejandro Cravioto, panel chairman , said at a virtual briefing.
“This interval may be moved to 42 days, but the evidence we have is not affected at that time,” he said from Mexico.
Sage also recommended that the Moderna vaccine should not be used on pregnant women unless they are health workers or have conditions that put them at risk.
It was only because clinical trials with the Moderna vaccine were needed on pregnant women, said Kate O’Brien, director of the vaccination, of the WHO.
“There is no reason to think that there may be a problem during pregnancy. We just acknowledge that the information is not there at the moment,” she said.
Ms O’Brien added that the WHO “worked with Moderna to move as quickly as possible” to create a list for emergency use so that it could be rolled out more quickly.
The Geneva health agency has so far listed only one Covid vaccine, the Pfizer BioNTech shot.
A vial containing the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine is seen at a local clinic while the spread of coronavirus continues.
(REUTERS)
On Monday, Moderna said he believes it will have a major effect against new variants that have emerged in the UK and South Africa.
The company said it had found no reduction in the antibody response against the variant in Britain, and against the South African variant it found a reduced response, but still believes that the two-dose treatment would provide protection.