The updated Moderna vaccine is effective against fast-spreading COVID-19 variants, such as Pirola.
The American pharmaceutical giant said that its early clinical trial data for the vaccine's new version shows that it is highly efficient in neutralizing Pirola, the new BA.2.86 variant.
Updated Moderna Vaccine Effective Against Pirola
Nurses draw vaccine doses from a vial as Maryland residents receive their second dose of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine at the Cameron Grove Community Center on March 25, 2021, in Bowie, Maryland.
According to Forbes' latest report, Moderna claims that the updated COVID-19 vaccine provokes a strong immune system against Pirola, Eris, and Fornax; fast-spreading variants of the COVID-19 virus.
The company shared this detail on Wednesday, Sept. 6, after acquiring early data from its clinical trial for the updated vaccine.
The Massachussets-based biotechnology company claims that the vaccine shot produced an 8.7-fold increase in protective antibodies against fast-spreading COVID-19 strains.
Moderna President Stephen Hoge shares his excitement, saying that the clinical trial data shows that their updated COVID-19 vaccine will continue to be an important tool for protection.
He added that the health company will continue assessing and responding to rising health threats across the globe.
As of press time, Moderna remains the only pharmaceutical firm that introduced updated vaccines for the new Pirola variant.
But, Novavax and Pfizer said that they will roll out new vaccines within the following weeks, as reported by CNBC.
Will It Help Prevent a Possible Face Mask Mandate?
A man wearing a protective face mask walks past an illustration of a virus outside Oldham Regional Science Centre on November 24, 2020 in Oldham, United Kingdom. England is continuing its second national coronavirus lockdown.
Pilora and Eris are concerning officials and health experts. These fast-spreading variants are expected to increase the number of infections; even leading to COVID-19 surges.
Because of this, the return of face mask mandates is expected to happen. ABC News reported that Dr. Anthony Fauci recommends that mask mandates should return.
U.S. officials and other experts criticized Fauci. One of them is Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.
"Fauci admits that masks don't work for the public at large, but still absurdly claims masks work on an individual basis. More subterfuge," said the U.S. senator.
While others are criticizing Fauci, some officials are taking action to ban face mask mandates. Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a law on Friday, Sept. 1, banning local governments from requiring COVID-19 face covers.
As of writing, it is still early to conclude whether the updated Moderna vaccine can prevent possible face mask mandates or if face mask requirements will even go back.
If you want to learn more details about Fauci's face mask mandate recommendations, you can click here.
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