Moderna Says its Booster Shot Provides Added Protection Against Omicron

Moderna announced Monday that its COVID-19 booster shot provides added protection against the Omicron variant. Cases of Omicron are currently on the rise across the country.

The Moderna booster is currently given in 50 a 50-microgram dose, which increased antibodies 37-fold. The company says that double the amount has increased antibody levels 83-fold. It’s unclear at this time what the numbers mean exactly against Omicron.

The company said it will begin working on an Omicron variant-specific booster. It is expected to advance into clinical trials early next year. 

“The dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases from the Omicron variant is concerning to all. However, these data showing that the currently authorized Moderna COVID-19 booster can boost neutralizing antibody levels 37-fold higher than pre-boost levels are reassuring,” said Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel.

He said Moderna will also continue to share its data with public health officials so they can “make evidence-based decisions on the best vaccination strategies against SARS-CoV-2.” Officials will now need to consider whether the Moderna booster should be administered at a higher dose. 

About 32 percent of vaccinated adults have gotten a booster, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That equals out to about 60 million people, with 26.7 million people receiving the Moderna shot.