"But it does bring up the urgent need to do a Phase 3-type clinical trial of full dose versus half dose and see what happens," he said. During a recent study, researchers determined that half the amount of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine dose was capable of triggering a 'significant' immune response. At eight different U.S. sites, a total of 600 participants were divided into age cohorts and randomly assigned at a 1:1:1 ratio to receive either the two full doses, two half doses, or two placebo doses. By 28 days after the first shot, anti-virus spike-binding antibody levels and neutralizing antibodies were higher among people who'd been given the full dose compared to the half dose. Boxes containing the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are prepared to be shipped at a distribution centre in Olive Branch, Miss., in late December.

Source: CBC News February 17, 2021 09:00 UTC