EMA panel backs 3 month interval for Moderna booster

People pose with a syringe and needle in front of a displayed Moderna logo
People pose with a syringe and needle in front of a displayed Moderna logo in this illustration taken, December 11, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

Feb 25 (Reuters) - The advisory committee to the European Union's drug regulator on Friday said it has recommended reducing the interval between the second dose and booster dose of Moderna Inc's (MRNA.O) COVID-19 vaccine from six months to three months.

Several countries including Greece and France have previously shortened the interval between the first two doses and the booster dose of COVID-19 vaccines, in the face of rising cases due to the Omicron variant. Some also authorised a fourth shot for the vulnerable. read more

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) in December said data supported safe and effective administration of a booster as early as three months after a two-shot regimen, without changing the six month recommendation. read more

The EMA's human medicines committee (CHMP) on Thursday also backed the use of Moderna's vaccine, Spikevax, in children aged 6 to 11. The vaccine is already approved for use in adults and children aged 12 and over in Europe. read more

In the United States, Spikevax is authorised as a primary two-dose regimen and booster dose for adults 18 years and older and country's health regulator last month shortened the interval between the primary series and booster to five months from six.

The CHMP on Friday also recommended authorising the use of Spikevax as a booster dose for adults who have had another COVID-19 vaccine, according to an update on its website.

Reporting by Manojna Maddipatla in Bengaluru; Editing by Hugh Lawson, Kirsten Donovan

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