The firm started developing these variant-specific boosters in January 2021 after evidence showed that the newer variants could escape vaccine-induced immunity. The booster shot was given to volunteers six to eight months after their first round of shots. Among the participants who received the original Moderna vaccine or the booster against 501Y.V2, the results showed both groups had improved antibodies against both the 501Y.V2 and 501Y.V3 variants. The fast-spreading variant is currently dominating Covid infections in South Africa and was responsible for more than 90% of infections in the second wave. South Africa is set to receive a total of 30 million doses – enough to vaccinate 15 million people.

Source: News 24 May 06, 2021 13:41 UTC