To combat the deadly COVID-19, the Philippines' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for American-developed Moderna vaccines. Here is everything we know about it so far.
Around the globe, people await the vaccine that could finally put an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the World Health Organisation Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (WHO-SAGE) issued Interim recommendations for use of the Moderna mRNA-1273 in January, a lot of questions were raised about the product.
In this article, Tatler gathers the answers to commonly asked questions about the Moderna vaccine so you may be spared from countless hours of digging the net.
WHAT IS MODERNA VACCINE?
The Moderna vaccine is developed by American drug firm Moderna, it has been one of three shots used in the US vaccination program, together with Pfizer (produced by German biotech firm BioNTech and US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer) and Johnson and Johnson's (developed by Janssen) vaccines. It is also the seventh vaccine granted emergency use approval in the Philippines.
Read more: Pfizer, Moderna and More: A Look At COVID-19 Vaccines 2021
HOW MANY INJECTIONS ARE NEEDED?
People who took the first jab of the Moderna vaccine need to come back for another one after 28 days of rest time. This means that two doses of Moderna must be administered so a person can fully enjoy the benefits of the vaccine.
WHO CAN TAKE THE VACCINE?
The Moderna vaccine is proven safe and effective even in people with severe disease like hypertension, diabetes, asthma, pulmonary, liver or kidney disease, and chronic infections that are stable and controlled. People with HIV and breastfeeding women may also take two jabs of the vaccine.
According to WHO, further studies are needed for immunocompromised persons who wish to take the vaccine. "People in this category who are part of a group recommended for vaccination may be vaccinated after receiving information and counselling," the organisation noted.
CAN PREGNANT WOMEN BE INJECTED WITH MODERNA?
Yes, pregnant women who are at high risk of exposure to COVID-19, can take the Moderna vaccine after careful deliberations and in consultation with their health care providers.
Read also: PH COVID-19 Vaccination Simplified: Timeline, Status, And More