Moderna receives MHRA authorization for updated COVID-19 vaccine

Moderna announced that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has authorized its updated COVID-19 vaccine targeting the JN.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2. Following the MHRA decision, doses will be available for eligible groups as part of the NHS autumn vaccination program, which is prioritized for use in people at greatest risk of serious illness from COVID-19. For the first time in the UK, the updated vaccine, Spikevax JN.1, will also be available to purchase privately for those who are not eligible for the NHS Autumn vaccination program. The updated vaccine will be available from high street pharmacies, occupational health providers, and private healthcare companies. The approval follows guidance from the World Health Organization Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Composition, which recommended that COVID-19 vaccines be updated to target the JN.1 family of Omicron subvariants for the 2024/25 vaccination campaign. At present, the JN.1 group of subvariants remain dominant in the UK.