Existing COVID-19 vaccine is recommended to be extended to 6 months of age
Use of the ‘SpikeVax bivalent vaccine’ developed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on the 19th (local time) by Moderna, a vaccine manufacturer, targeting the new Omicron submutations BA.4 and BA.5 in the EU permission was recommended.
“The SpikeVax bivalent vaccine is recommended for adults and children 12 years of age and older who have received a primary dose of COVID-19,” the EMA said in a statement.
Following the recommendations of the EMA, the European Commission, the executive branch of the EU, will make the final approval decision.
Earlier, the European Commission approved the use of a vaccine by Moderna once morest BA.1, another omicron submutation, following EMA recommendations last month.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement on the same day, the EMA also recommended extending the age for vaccination once morest COVID-19 developed by Pfizer and Moderna, respectively, and used in the EU to six months of age.
This is interpreted as a measure taken in response to concerns that COVID-19 may re-spread in the winter.
In the EU, Pfizer’s existing COVID-19 vaccine was allowed up to age 5 and Moderna’s vaccine up to age 6, respectively.
However, for infants and children, the EMA recommended that the dose be reduced compared to those previously approved for use.
/yunhap news
