Moderna Vaccine Supply Agreement: What You Need to Know
On July 22, 2021, Moderna announced that it had reached a supply agreement with the US government to provide an additional 200 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA-1273. This agreement brings the total number of doses pledged by Moderna to the US government to 500 million.
So, what does this mean for the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination efforts?
Firstly, it`s important to note that Moderna`s vaccine has been shown to be highly effective against the original strain of COVID-19, as well as some of the variants that have emerged since the pandemic began. As the Delta variant continues to spread, it`s essential that vaccination efforts are ramped up to help prevent further outbreaks. With this supply agreement in place, the US will have access to a significant number of additional doses of an effective vaccine.
The agreement also includes an option for the US government to purchase additional doses, including potential booster shots, in the future. This is significant as experts believe that booster shots will be necessary to maintain immunity against COVID-19, especially as new variants continue to emerge. Moderna has already begun clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of a third dose of its vaccine.
Additionally, the supply agreement includes provisions to help ensure that the vaccine is accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. The vaccine will be provided at no cost to individuals, and the US government has committed to covering the cost of administration fees for those who are uninsured.
It`s worth noting that the supply agreement with Moderna is just one part of the US government`s efforts to combat the pandemic. The Biden administration has already made significant progress in vaccinating the population, with over 163 million Americans fully vaccinated as of August 3, 2021. However, with the Delta variant leading to a surge in cases, it`s clear that more work needs to be done to get the situation under control.
Overall, the Moderna vaccine supply agreement is a positive step forward in the fight against COVID-19. With access to additional doses and a commitment to accessibility, there`s hope that the vaccination efforts can continue to progress, ultimately leading to a safer and healthier future.