Key Takeaways
- Moderna’s updated Spikevax® JN.1 COVID-19 vaccine has received MHRA approval in the UK, targeting the JN.1 Omicron subvariant to protect high-risk individuals through the NHS autumn vaccination program.
- For the first time in the UK, Spikevax® JN.1 will also be available for private purchase, allowing those not eligible for the NHS program to access the vaccine through pharmacies and private healthcare providers.
- The vaccine’s updated formulation addresses the dominant JN.1 variant and is expected to play a crucial role globally as countries prepare for seasonal COVID-19 vaccination campaigns.
Moderna, Inc. announced that the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK has granted authorization for its updated COVID-19 vaccine targeting the JN.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2. This updated vaccine, known as Spikevax® JN.1, has been developed in response to global public health recommendations, including those from the World Health Organization (WHO), urging the creation of vaccines that address the dominant JN.1 family of Omicron subvariants. This strain remains prevalent in the UK, making the updated COVID-19 vaccine a crucial tool in ongoing efforts to combat COVID-19.
Following MHRA approval, the updated vaccine will be integrated into the NHS autumn vaccination program, which prioritizes groups at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19, such as the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and people with underlying health conditions. The goal is to bolster protection for these vulnerable populations ahead of the winter season when respiratory illnesses tend to surge.
Significantly, for the first time in the UK, Moderna’s Spikevax® JN.1 COVID-19 vaccine will also be available for private purchase. Individuals not eligible for the NHS vaccination program will be able to buy the vaccine from high street pharmacies, occupational health providers, and private healthcare companies. This move marks an expansion of access to the vaccine, providing an additional option for those seeking extra protection against the virus.
Moderna’s Updated Spikevax® JN.1 COVID-19 Vaccine to Play Key Role in UK’s COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts
“As the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to evolve, COVID-19 remains a serious health risk, particularly for those most vulnerable,” said Darius Hughes, UK General Manager of Moderna. “Updated vaccines like Spikevax® JN.1 COVID-19 vaccine play a vital role in protecting against severe illness and hospitalization. We are pleased that our updated vaccine will be available not only through the NHS autumn program but also for private purchase for the first time in the UK. This ensures broader access for individuals seeking protection.”
The MHRA’s approval aligns with the latest guidance from the WHO Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC), which recommended that vaccines for the 2024/25 season be updated to target the JN.1 family of Omicron subvariants. These subvariants have proven to be highly transmissible and remain dominant in the UK, making it essential to tailor vaccines to address them specifically.
The Spikevax® JN.1 COVID-19 vaccine will play a key role in the NHS’s autumn vaccination campaign, which aims to reduce severe illness and hospitalizations as the UK braces for the colder months. As respiratory infections, including COVID-19, typically increase during this time, the updated vaccine offers a timely solution to strengthen the population’s immunity, particularly among those most at risk.
Moderna’s Spikevax® JN.1 Vaccine Now Available for Private Purchase in the UK, Expanding Access Ahead of Winter
The decision to allow private purchase of the vaccine is also a significant development, as it reflects the growing demand for greater accessibility to COVID-19 protection across the general population. High street pharmacies, occupational health providers, and private healthcare companies will offer the vaccine to those who are not part of the NHS’s priority groups, ensuring that more individuals can choose to protect themselves against the latest circulating variant.
In addition to its availability in the UK, Moderna’s Spikevax® JN.1 COVID-19 vaccine is expected to play a critical role globally as countries prepare for their seasonal vaccination campaigns. The vaccine’s updated formulation, specifically targeting the JN.1 variant, represents an important advancement in the ongoing battle against COVID-19, particularly as new variants continue to emerge and challenge public health systems.
Moderna’s updated vaccine, designed to adapt to the evolving nature of the virus, underscores the importance of continued innovation in vaccine technology. The company remains committed to working with global health authorities to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines remain effective against emerging variants, protecting populations worldwide from severe outcomes. With the MHRA’s approval, Moderna’s Spikevax® JN.1 COVID-19 vaccine is poised to make a significant impact in the UK’s ongoing COVID-19 vaccination efforts, both through the NHS and the newly introduced private purchase option, expanding access to critical protection ahead of the upcoming winter season.
Resource: Moderna, September 03, 2024
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