COVID: Moderna Says New Vaccine Protects Against Omicron

JUN 8 2022·Updated DEC 28 2022

Story

Image credit: The New York Times

The Facts

In a release on Wed., Moderna announced that data has shown a new version of its COVID vaccine to be more effective in protecting against the virus.
CBS News
Their studies reportedly show that the new dose offers recipients better chances of producing antibodies against Omicron. Dr Stephen Hodge, president of Moderna, has said that the company believes the findings support the implementation of the new vaccine.
PBS NewsHour
Moderna plans to submit its findings - that vaccines targeting both the original and Omicron strains produce a stronger immune response - to the FDA in the coming weeks and seek authorization for the bivalent vaccine.
Time
The results of the trial involving 437 people has led Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel to state that the vaccine is the "lead candidate for a fall 2022 booster."
USA Today
The company is the first to report preliminary results from a clinical trial of a vaccine specifically targeting Omicron. Shares in the company rose 2.2% on Wed. following the news.
www.ft.com

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The Spin

Narrative A

With concerns over waning vaccine immunity and the potential for a surge in cases in the fall, these results should be celebrated. Though some are worried about what role COVID will have in our daily lives when summer draws to a close, a highly effective bivalent vaccine could be the first step on the roadmap to annual COVID treatments and a return to normality.

ABC News

Establishment-critical narrative

Whilst Moderna deserves credit for developing and rolling out an effective COVID vaccine with astounding speed, they are now profiteering from the virus. The pharmaceutical giant made $7.3B in after-tax profits in the first three quarters of 2021, now it is seeking further authorization to continue global sales.

Politico