AMSTERDAM (AP) – The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said Monday that a booster of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine “may be considered” for people 18 years of age and older.
In a statement, the EU drug regulator said its analysis showed that a third injection of Moderna, which is usually given in a two-dose schedule, at least six months after the second dose, led to an increase in doses. antibody levels in adults whose levels were decreasing. The booster consists of half the dose normally given to adults.
The EMA noted that currently available data suggests that the incidence of side effects is similar to what is seen after the second dose of Moderna’s vaccine, which is known to cause temporary inflammation of the heart and chest in a small number of people. .
Earlier this month, the EMA stated that boosters of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine could also be considered. The agency also recommended a third dose for people with compromised immune systems.
Booster vaccines made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are already licensed in the United States, but there are still restrictions on who qualifies.
Beginning six months after the last Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, people are urged to get a booster if they are at least 50 years old or older, reside in a nursing home, or are at risk of developing a severe condition. of COVID-19.
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