Swissmedic Approves Moderna’s Updated COVID-19 Vaccine: What You Need to Know

Moderna Receives Swiss Approval For Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Targeting LP.8.1 Variant

By Archyde News Desk

April 29,2024

Bern,Switzerland – Swissmedic Has Granted Full Marketing Authorization To Moderna For Its Newly Updated COVID-19 Vaccine. The Treatment Is Specifically Adapted To Combat The Currently Dominant LP.8.1 Variant, Offering Enhanced Protection Against The Evolving Virus.

The Vaccine, available In Pre-Filled Syringes, Is Now Ready For Deployment Throughout Switzerland, according To A Monday Press Release. Moderna Confirmed The Authorization Is Based On Comprehensive Data, Including Manufacturing Details, Clinical Trials, Non-Clinical Studies, And Real-World Evidence Demonstrating the Efficacy And Safety Of mRNA Vaccines Against COVID-19.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Switzerland’s Federal Office Of Public Health (FOPH) Recommends Vaccination Against COVID-19 for Individuals At Higher Risk During The Autumn And Winter Months, Aligning With The 2025 Vaccination Plan. This Includes People Aged 65 And Older, Individuals Aged 16 And Above With Pre-Existing Medical Conditions, And Pregnant Women.

Moderna Has Confirmed That Health Insurance Reimbursement Will Be Adjusted To Cover The New Vaccine, Ensuring Accessibility For Those Recommended To Receive It. The FOPH Emphasizes That Vaccination Remains A Crucial Tool In Protecting Vulnerable Populations From Severe Illness.

Current Vaccination Recommendations

Currently, The FOPH Recommends COVID-19 Vaccination Primarily For Individuals At Increased Risk Of Developing A severe Form Of The Disease. This Includes Those Aged 65 And Over, Individuals With Underlying health Conditions, People Aged 16 And Above With Down syndrome, And Pregnant Women.

Vaccination against COVID-19 is Fully Reimbursed By Compulsory Health Insurance For Those Meeting The Criteria For Increased Risk, Including The Elderly, Pregnant Women, And Individuals With Severe Immunodeficiency.

Understanding COVID-19 Variants

The Continuous Evolution Of The COVID-19 Virus Necessitates Regular Updates To Vaccines. Variants Like LP.8.1 Demonstrate The Virus’s Ability To Mutate, Perhaps Reducing The Effectiveness Of Existing Immunizations.Updated Vaccines Are Designed To Provide broader And More Robust Protection Against These Emerging Strains.

Staying Informed About Current vaccination Recommendations And Following Public Health Guidelines Remains Essential In Mitigating The Spread Of COVID-19 And Protecting Individual And Community Health.

frequently Asked Questions About The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

• What Is The LP.8.1 Variant?

  LP.8.1 Is A Currently Dominant Strain Of The COVID-19 Virus. The Updated Moderna Vaccine Is Specifically Formulated To Target This Variant.

• Who is Eligible For The Updated Vaccine in Switzerland?

  Individuals Aged 65 And Over, Those With Pre-Existing Conditions, And Pregnant Women Are currently Recommended To Receive The Updated COVID-19 Vaccine.

• Is The Vaccine Covered By Health Insurance?

  Yes, The Updated Moderna COVID-19 vaccine Is Covered By Swiss Health Insurance For Individuals Meeting The Eligibility Criteria.

• what Data Supports The Vaccine’s Safety And Efficacy?

  The authorization is Based On Extensive Data,Including Clinical Trials,Non-Clinical Studies,Manufacturing Details,And Real-world Evidence.

• where Can I Get Vaccinated?

  The Vaccine Will Be Available Through Healthcare Providers Throughout Switzerland.

• Why Are Updated Vaccines Necessary?

  The COVID-19 Virus Continuously Evolves, And Updated Vaccines Provide Better Protection Against New Variants Like LP.8.1.

Disclaimer: This Article Provides Information About Medical Developments. it is indeed Not A substitute For Professional Medical advice.Always Consult With A Qualified healthcare Provider for Any Health Concerns Or Before Making Any Decisions Related To Yoru Health Or Treatment.

What Are Your Thoughts? Share Your Comments Below And Let Us Know How This News Impacts You. Don’t Forget To Share This Article With Your Network!

What are the key differences between the updated Moderna Spikevax XDR vaccine and previous Moderna COVID-19 vaccines?

Understanding the New Moderna Vaccine Formulation

Swissmedic,the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic products,has granted approval for Moderna’s updated COVID-19 vaccine,specifically targeting current circulating variants. This updated vaccine,frequently enough referred to as a “variant booster,” is designed to provide improved protection against newer strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The approval signifies a crucial step in Switzerland’s ongoing strategy to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and minimize severe illness. This new formulation represents a shift from the original vaccines, adapting to the virus’s evolution.

Key Features of the updated Moderna Vaccine

The updated Moderna vaccine, sometimes called the “Spikevax XDR,” differs from previous iterations in several key ways:

Targeted Variants: the vaccine is formulated to target XBB.1.5,a dominant Omicron subvariant,offering broader protection against related strains.

mRNA Technology: Like previous Moderna vaccines, this updated version utilizes messenger RNA (mRNA) technology to stimulate an immune response.

Dosage & Management: The dosage and administration remain largely consistent with previous Moderna COVID-19 vaccines – typically an intramuscular injection.

Storage Requirements: Storage requirements are similar to prior formulations, maintaining the cold chain logistics already established.

Who is Eligible for the Updated COVID-19 Vaccine?

Swissmedic’s approval and subsequent recommendations from the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) outline eligibility criteria for the updated vaccine. Generally, the following groups are prioritized:

Individuals aged 65 and older: This age group remains at higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes.

Individuals with underlying medical conditions: Those with chronic illnesses like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems.

Pregnant individuals: Vaccination is recommended during pregnancy to protect both the mother and the developing baby.

healthcare workers: Frontline healthcare professionals are at increased risk of exposure.

Individuals completing a primary vaccination series: Those who haven’t received a full course of COVID-19 vaccination.

The FOPH provides detailed and updated guidance on eligibility on their official website (https://www.bag.admin.ch/). It’s crucial to check the latest recommendations as they evolve.

Potential Side Effects and Safety Profile

The updated Moderna vaccine has undergone rigorous safety evaluations by swissmedic. The side effects observed are generally mild to moderate and similar to those experienced with previous COVID-19 vaccines:

Common Side Effects: Pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, chills, fever, and nausea.

Rare Side Effects: Myocarditis and pericarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle or lining) have been reported rarely,primarily in young men. Though, the risk remains significantly lower than the risk of cardiac complications from COVID-19 infection itself.

Reporting Side Effects: Individuals are encouraged to report any suspected side effects to Swissmedic through their online reporting system.

Benefits of Receiving the Updated Booster

Staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination, including receiving the updated Moderna booster, offers meaningful benefits:

Enhanced Protection: Improved protection against currently circulating variants, reducing the risk of infection.

Reduced Severity: Lower risk of severe illness,hospitalization,and death,even if infection occurs.

Community Protection: Contributes to herd immunity, protecting vulnerable populations.

Long-Term Health: Minimizes the potential for long-term health complications associated with COVID-19 (“Long COVID”).

Understanding Vaccine Effectiveness and Duration of Protection

Vaccine effectiveness against infection decreases over time, particularly as new variants emerge. The updated Moderna vaccine is designed to address this waning immunity.

Initial Protection: The booster provides a significant boost in antibody levels, offering strong initial protection.

Duration of protection: The duration of protection varies depending on individual factors and the evolving virus landscape. Regular booster doses, as recommended by health authorities, are crucial to maintain optimal immunity.

* Real-World Evidence: Data from countries that have already rolled out the updated vaccines demonstrate improved protection against symptomatic infection and severe disease.

Where to Get Vaccinated in Switzerland

COVID