The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is on the verge of authorizing half-dose booster shots of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, according to Bloomberg News.
The agency had been looking at the effects a third full dose of the vaccine would have in fighting the novel coronavirus but is now close to OK’ing a half dose booster shot, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
A full dose of Moderna’s vaccine contains 100 micrograms of mRNA, according to the company.
Moderna Chief Executive Stéphane Bancel said in a statement earlier this month that recipients of a 50-microgram dose had robust antibody responses against the delta variant.
Moderna submitted an application to the FDA for authorization of a booster shot on Sept. 1.
Last week the FDA approved a request by Pfizer/BioNTech to allow those fully vaccinated with its vaccine to get a booster shot.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ recommendation of a booster shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in certain populations and also recommended a booster dose for those in high risk occupational and institutional settings.
More than 68 million people are fully vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine, according to the CDC.
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