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The Moderna vaccine also shows a high success rate and is also somewhat easier to store and handle. Any vaccine will help lessen the effects of the pandemic.
This is a very positive start to the year for the entire population. Because now, with a second vaccine, the first phase of the vaccination strategy can be implemented even faster. This means that more people can be protected against the consequences of a COVID-19 infection in an even shorter period of time, especially older people and those who work in healthcare and care facilities.
Mag. Alexander Herzog, Secretary General of PHARMIG
Vienna (OTS) – Today, January 6, the EMA recommended that the EU Commission approve the COVID-19 candidate vaccine from the American company Moderna. Alexander Herzog, General Secretary of PHARMIG: “This is a very positive start to the year for the entire population. Because now, with a second vaccine, the first phase of the vaccination strategy can be implemented even faster. This means that more people can be protected against the consequences of a COVID-19 infection in an even shorter period of time, especially older people and people employed in health and care facilities. “
Austria will receive around 200,000 doses of this vaccine in February as part of the EU pre-order. Deliveries are made from Switzerland, where a European production facility has been set up with Lonza pharmaceutical company.
Moderna’s mRNA-1273 vaccine, like that from Biontech / Pfizer, is based on mRNA technology. Study data released in late December also shows a high success rate of just over 94 percent for this vaccine, as well as a 100 percent protection rate in preventing serious disease courses. The vaccination schedule is also similar to that of Biontech / Pfizer: after the first dose, a booster is scheduled and therefore a second vaccination every 29 days.
In some technical details, however, the new vaccine differs from the first vaccine, which was approved in December: for the storage of mRNA-1273, temperatures of minus 20 degrees initially are sufficient. After completely thawing and before first use, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 30 days at two to eight degrees.
The Moderna vaccine is not only easier to store, but also to administer, since the multi-dose container already contains the vaccine in its final concentration. Herzog says: “The easier handling of this second vaccine is extremely useful for vaccinating on a larger scale. Even when production is running at full speed, we have to be patient until enough can be delivered to Austria so that everyone who wants to protect themselves can get vaccinated. ” to finally be able to reduce the negative health, social and economic effects of this pandemic.
Herzog hopes that as many as possible will take advantage of the offer to protect themselves from the consequences of a Sars-CoV-2 infection: “Hopefully we will achieve a vaccination rate of more than 60 percent to develop herd immunity. So those who cannot be vaccinated for health reasons, for example, would also be protected. “
About PHARMIG: PHARMIG is the voluntary interest group of the Austrian pharmaceutical industry. The association currently has around 120 members (as of January 2021), covering a good 95 percent of the drug market. PHARMIG and its member companies defend the highest possible security of supply of pharmaceutical products in the healthcare system and guarantee social and medical progress through quality and innovation.
Queries and contact:
PHARMIG – Association of the Austrian Pharmaceutical Industry
Peter Richter, NO
Head of Communications and Public Relations
40/01 60 290-20
peter.richter@pharmig.at
www.pharmig.at
