All COVID-19 vaccines today are based upon the original coronavirus. The virus continues to evolve, with the super-contagious Omicron variant and its siblings being the latest threat.
Moderna was researching a combination shot that provided protection against a beta variant before omicron became a reality. Tuesday's announcement by the company stated that people who received the beta-original vaccine combination had produced more antibodies than regular booster triggers to fight multiple variants, including omicron.
Moderna is working to develop a combination shot that targets omicron, despite the fact that the antibody level was only modest. Moderna vice-president Dr. Jacqueline Miller said that these results give her hope that the next step will be even more successful.
Tuesday's data was posted online, and it has not been verified by independent experts.
COVID-19 vaccines provide strong protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even when omicron is present. This variant is so different than the original coronavirus, it slips past the immune systems' defenses more easily. However, studies in the U.S. have shown that a booster dose increases protection. Certain countries offer a second booster for those who are particularly vulnerable. In the U.S. that means anyone over 50 and people with severely compromised immune systems.
Officials from the health sector have stated that boosters should not be given every few months to combat the virus's mutation. They began deliberating on how to modify the vaccine recipe.
It is dangerous to switch to a vaccine that targets the most recent variant of the virus. The virus could also mutate. Moderna and Pfizer, a rival company, are both testing "bivalent shots" -- a mixture of the original vaccine from each company and an omicron targeted version.
Moderna's beta-targeted combination shot earlier in the year would have no effect on omicron. Miller stated that it includes four mutations which both the beta variant as well as the newer omicron share in common.
Moderna is currently testing a bivalent shot to better target omicron. It includes 32 mutations from that variant. Two booster doses of the drug are being studied in the U.S.A. and Britain. Results are expected by June.
