FDA Analysis Of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Finds It Effective And Safe

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Moderna is making its COVID-19 vaccine at a company factory in Norwood, Mass.

Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images

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Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images

Coronavirus Updates
FDA Authorizes COVID-19 Vaccine For Emergency Use In U.S.

On Thursday, the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, an advisory group, will discuss the vaccine in an open public meeting.

Last Thursday, Dec. 10, the same committee voted 17-4, with one abstention, in favor of emergency authorization of the Pfizer vaccine for use during the pandemic. The Pfizer vaccine, developed in partnership with German drugmaker BioNTech, was given the OK for use people 16 and older.

The FDA will ask the experts to assess whether the available scientific evidence supports the proposed emergency use of the Moderna vaccine. The FDA will also ask the experts to weigh in on what studies should be done by the companies to further characterize the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine after it is available under an EUA.

Shots — Health News
FDA Panel Recommends COVID-19 Vaccine For Emergency Use

Immunizations with the Pfizer vaccine began Monday. Distribution of the vaccine is complicated by its need to be kept extremely cold: minus 76 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.

For shipping and storage, Moderna’s vaccine needs to be frozen too, but at minus 4 Fahrenheit, more like a regular home freezer. Once the vaccine is thawed for use, it can be kept at 36 to 46 Fahrenheit, the temperature of typical home fridge, for up to 30 days.