The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Immunization Experts, known as Sage, recommended that the jab be given every 28 days, but said it could be extended for another two weeks in exceptional circumstances.
“The main recommendation for the use of this vaccine is that, based on the current elements, we recommend that it be given in doses of 100 micrograms or 0.5 ml with an interval of 28 days,” said Alejandro Cravioto, chairman of the panel, in a briefing virtual.
“This interval can be moved to 42 days, but the evidence we have does not go beyond that time,” he said, speaking of Mexico.
Sage also recommended that the Modern vaccine should not be used in pregnant women, unless they are health professionals or have conditions that put them at high risk.
This was only because clinical trials of the Modern vaccine were needed in pregnant women, said WHO director of immunization Kate O’Brien.
“There is no reason to think there could be a problem with pregnancy, we are just recognizing that the data is not there at the moment,” she said.
Ms. O’Brien added that WHO is “working with Moderna to go as quickly as possible” to obtain the emergency use list, allowing it to be implemented more quickly.
The Geneva-based health agency has given an emergency use list for just one Covid vaccine – the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine – so far.
A vial of the Modern Covid-19 vaccine is seen at a local clinic as the spread of coronavirus disease continues
(REUTERS)
On Monday, Moderna said it believed its jab would be effective against new variants that emerged in the UK and South Africa.
The company said it found no reduction in the antibody response against the variant found in Britain, and against the South African variant it found a reduced response, but still believes that its two-dose regimen will provide protection.