Thanks to the efforts of the pharmaceutical industry, it was able to develop a vaccine against Covid-19 in record time. Never before has an invention of this type been achieved in less than a year. To achieve this, it was essential to use previous studies together with current technology. In addition, it was allowed to carry out the stages of the clinical trials simultaneously to reduce time. Thanks to that, companies like Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson already have large-scale immunizations that are applied around the world.
In this sense, regardless of the brand, the central objective of biologicals is not to prevent infections but rather serious phases of the disease that can lead to death. In addition, each one handles different levels of efficiency and the appearance of new variants has modified them even more.
Decrease in efficacy
The most recent case can be seen with Moderna. When the vaccine was approved at the beginning of the year, it was indicated that it offered an efficacy of 94.1 percent when completing the vaccination schedule with the two indicated doses. Although now the results of new studies have been presented and there are slight variations.
As reported Reuters now protection has dropped to 93 percent and remains so for up to six months after receiving the second injection. Although from that moment there is a decrease in the levels of antibodies.
Here are key takeaways from the Moderna Phase 3 COVE Study final analysis and real-world evidence. Final analysis of Phase 3 COVE Study demonstrates COVID-19 vaccine efficacy of 93% and emerging real-world evidence demonstrates efficacy against variants of concern. pic.twitter.com/8HJ4OiUcAj
– Modern (@moderna_tx) August 5, 2021
The information is based on a clinical trial carried out in December last year and in which 30 thousand volunteers participated.
The six-month data also showed that the vaccine provides 98 percent protection against severe stages of the disease. It is also 100 percent effective in preventing death. There were only three deaths during the trial and they were among those who received the placebo.
Now three doses are recommended
Based on the above, the pharmacist has made the decision to modify its vaccination schedule. The new indication indicates that it is necessary to receive a third booster dose to guarantee adequate protection.
For their part, until now, the governments of the countries where this immunization has been authorized maintain the discussion on whether they plan to modify the indication on the number of doses.
In this way, Moderna plans to follow in the footsteps of Pfizer, which was the first company to declare that the application of three doses is required to protect against Covid-19. It is also an indication that was taken from the expansion of the Delta Variant.
Finally, in the case of our country, an announcement has not yet been made about a possible approval of Moderna’s vaccine. Until now, the only ones endorsed by the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) are those of AstraZeneca, Cansino, Pfizer, Sinovac, Sputnik V, Covaxin, and Johnson & Johnson. Although just a few days ago Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard assured that very soon others would obtain permission to speed up the immunization process.