The Moderna vaccine is an mRNA-1273 vaccine, representing the latest advancements in the field of preventive medicine. This type of vaccine differs from other vaccines, including protein-based vaccines, inactivated vaccines and viral vector vaccines. It has been developed by ModernaTX Inc. in America and is considered one of the most effective Covid-19 vaccines in the world today.
As soon as the Food and Drug Administration registered the patent for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine – making it a controlled substance as of May 13, 2021 for which the registration certificate extends to May 12, 2022 – questions sprung up regarding its efficacy and safety. We have put together a comprehensive list of questions and answers below:
Once the mRNA vaccine is injected into the body, the cells at the injection site will ingest the lipid nanoparticle containing the mRNA. These cells will begin to produce a protein similar to the spike found in the COVID-19 virus. This stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies designed specifically to fight against the spike from the Covid-19 virus. It is this reaction that gives the patient protection against an infection.
The Moderna vaccine was accredited by WHO on April 30, 2021 for use in preventing COVID-19 infections, and was registered by the Thai FDA on May 13, 2021. Data show the vaccine to be 94.1% effective in preventing COVID-19 infections among the general population, while offering 86.4% protection for those over the age of 65. The vaccine also offers 100% protection against a severe COVID-19 infection and reduces the chance of death attributed to the disease by 100%. Moreover, recent laboratory testing has shown it to be effective in stimulating an immune system response strong enough to provide protection against both the B.1.17 English strain and the B.1.135 South African strain of the virus.
This vaccine is suitable for use in adults over 18, who require 2 doses 4 weeks apart for full protection. Currently, there are more than 14 countries using this vaccine, including America, Canada, Switzerland, England, some European Union countries, Israel, Qatar, Brunei, Singapore, Vietnam, and Japan.
Data sourced from safety testing among a group of 15,000 volunteers carried out by the American Communicable Disease Center revealed that just 0.03% of the general population experienced unwanted side effects after receiving the vaccine. The report details are as follows:
A report filed on May 8, 2021 revealed that clinical trials of the Moderna vaccine on 12–17 year olds found it to be up to 96% effective in preventing the infection. Additionally, there are currently ongoing trials for patients aged 6 months to 11 years that are yet to produce clear results. In Thailand, the question of whether those under 18 can receive the vaccine must wait until the Thai Ministry of Public Health provides a definitive answer.
Click here for more information about alternative covid-19 vaccines.
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