Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images
Moderna announced Thursday (August 5) that its COVID-19 vaccine remained 93% effective six months after the second dose, barely changing from its 94% efficacy rate from its original clinical trial.
Moderna’s findings are favorable to Pfizer’s which announced last week its vaccine efficacy declined to 84% six months after the second dose.
Moderna also noted that its six-month efficacy study was conducted before the rapid spread of the Delta variant.
“Our Covid-19 vaccine is showing durable efficacy of 93 percent through six months, but recognize that the Delta variant is a significant new threat so we must remain vigilant,” Moderna Chief Executive Stéphane Bancel said, per a report by NBC News.
Moderna also says that a booster shot will be necessary before the start of the winter season, since protections might decline by then.
Pfizer is reportedly preparing to seek authorization for a third shot later this month. Moderna, meanwhile, is studying different booster shots’ effectiveness against multiple COVID-19 variants.
The news comes as many states report record-highs of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Public health officials point to the spread of the Delta variant and low vaccination rates for the recent surge.
Southern states have been particularly hard hit by the surge. Months ago, officials employed churches and barbershops to bolster vaccine education and vaccine rates among Black Americans who are more vulnerable to contracting the coronavirus.
Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.