MHRA approves second adapted Covid vaccine ahead of autumn immunisation programme

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved of Moderna’s new Covid-19 vaccine which is designed to target the widely circulating Omicron subvariant.

The decision comes following the approval of the new ‘Spikevax’ vaccine by both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicine Agency (EMA) last week.

The UK regulator found that it met the standards of safety, quality and effectiveness, and it has been approved for use in individuals from six months of age.

The vaccine works in the same way it as the original vaccine by causing the immune system to produce antibodies and blood cells that work against Covid, giving protection against the virus.

Second adapted vaccine to be approved

The Spikevax’ vaccine has become the second vaccine to be used in the country’s vaccination campaign this autumn.

Indeed, earlier this month, the MHRA approved an updated Covid-19 vaccine by Pfizer and BioNTech that targets only the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant.

This vaccine will keep the same brand name, and will be sold under the name of Comirnaty.

The MHRA says all approved adapted Covid-19 vaccines help to improve the protection obtained from earlier doses of the vaccine and help give longer-term protection against getting seriously ill from the virus.

When will the new vaccines be available?

The autumn immunisation programme began today (18 September) in England, with millions eligible to book their vaccine online, via the NHS app, or by calling 119.

Anyone who is over the age of 65, pregnant women, and those with an underlying health condition will be contacted in the coming weeks to encourage them to come forward for their vaccine.

This year’s adult Covid and flu vaccination programme has been brought forward on the advice of scientists following the emergence of the new Covid-19 variant.

Covid cases have been rising steadily in the past few weeks, and in the week ending 9th September, there were 11,668 known Covid cases, up by 29% compared to the previous week. Hospital admissions remain fairly low at 3,287 in the same week, but this is also up by around a third (30%) compared to the previous week.

NHS bosses say they have ensured there is enough capacity to offer the flu and Covid vaccines to all those eligible by the end of October, reflecting the risk of the new variant.

There are 5,000 vaccine sites to choose from – more than ever before – to make it as easy and convenient as possible for people to get protection.

Eligible people ‘strongly encouraged’ to come forward

NHS Director for Vaccinations and Screening Steve Russell said: “Vaccines are our best protection against flu and Covid-19, and I strongly encourage all eligible people to come forward for their lifesaving winter vaccines as soon as they can.

“The new Covid variant presents a new risk, but NHS staff are rising to the challenge once more to do all they can to protect the public.

“Those eligible can now easily book a Covid vaccine online – it takes just a few minutes and there are more sites than ever before offering the vaccine across England, so please come forward as soon as you can to give yourself and your loved ones vital protection over the coming months.”