Moderna highlights Importance of Updated COVID-19 Vaccination for Seniors as Cases Rise
Seoul, south Korea – As COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased for three consecutive months, with 60% of those hospitalized being over the age of 65, medical experts are emphasizing the continued need for vaccination, particularly for vulnerable populations. Moderna Korea recently held a press conference to discuss preventative strategies and the importance of protecting high-risk groups using mRNA technology.
Professor Lee Jae-gap of the infection Department at Gangnam Sacred Heart Hospital stressed that COVID-19 can lead to long-term health issues, including fatigue and cognitive decline, in addition to severe illness. “it is important to inoculate new vaccines every year to maintain immunity,” he stated.
Dr. Francesca Sedia,Chief Medical Officer of Moderna,presented the company’s mRNA-based vaccine strategy and vision for future infectious disease response,focusing on protecting high-risk individuals. She highlighted the consistent global recognition of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines.
“Moderna’s Corona 19 vaccines have been consistently confirmed by the world,” Dr.Sedia said. She also pointed to study results demonstrating that simultaneous vaccination with both the flu vaccine and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine maintains high immunogenicity and safety profiles, similar to single vaccinations, making it a valuable strategy for high-risk group protection.
Moderna’s vaccines have demonstrated strong efficacy and safety through large-scale Phase 3 clinical trials and real-world evidence (RWE). Notably, the immune response in individuals aged 65 and older was comparable to that of younger adults.
This season’s updated Spikevax vaccine is specifically designed to elicit a robust immune response against the currently circulating COVID-19 variant, LP.8.1. Preliminary Phase 4 clinical analysis shows that the vaccine increased neutralizing antibodies against LP.8.1 more than eight-fold in individuals aged 12-64 and 65 and older.The vaccine is also expected to provide immune protection against other prevalent variants, including NB.1.8.1 and XFG.
Kim Sang-pyo, CEO of Moderna Korea, affirmed the company’s commitment to prioritizing the protection of high-risk groups, particularly those aged 65 and older. “Moderna will actively support the government and medical fields to ensure that the seasonal vaccination projects can be carried out without any disruption,” he said.
The Korean government’s 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccination program, launching October 15th, will prioritize seniors aged 65 and older. Even for those previously vaccinated, officials recommend receiving a new vaccination due to the ongoing evolution of the COVID-19 virus and the need for protection against current circulating strains. The updated vaccine is recommended to be effective for the current popular variation.
(Photo: from left) Dr. Francesca Sedia, the chief medical officer, and professor Lee Jae -gap of the Infections of Gangnam Sacred Heart Hospital.
Source: Medi:Gate News, Park Do-young
