Australia approves highly effective Moderna Covid-19 jab for children aged 12 ...

WHO IS MODERNA? 

Moderna is an American Biomedical and pharmaceutical firm which specialises in RNA therapeutics.

The company is based in Cambridge Massachusetts and has developed 24 vaccine candidates for diseases like the flu, HIV and the Nipah virus.

It first gained approval for its Covid jab in the US in late 2020.

HOW DOES THE VACCINE WORK?

Moderna, like the Pfizer jab, uses mRNA technology to 'teach our cells how to make a protein—or even just a piece of a protein—that triggers an immune response inside our bodies,' the Centre for Disease Control in the US explained.

That means, those who receive the potentially life-saving shot can gain protection without ever having to risk the serious consequences of getting sick from Covid-19.

HOW EFFECTIVE IS IT?

Even against the highly infectious Indian Delta variant, Moderna's vaccine is highly effective with US clinical trials showing a 94.1 per cent protection rate from coronavirus after the second dose.

DO I NEED TWO JABS? 

Like other Covid vaccines, the inoculation requires two shots about 28 days aparts for maximum results.

IS IT SAFE? 

The Moderna vaccine has proven very safe during its use throughout the world and has been given the green light by Australia's medicines watchdog, The Therapeutic Goods Administration.

However there is no vaccination that is entirely risk-free, so it is best to speak with your GP before receiving the shot.

WILL THE MODERNA JAB REQUIRE BOOSTER SHOTS?

As the coronavirus continues to mutate, boosters shots are likely to be offered to those already fully vaccinated.

This will be the case for Moderna and almost every other vaccine provider.

WHO IS ELIGABLE FOR THE MODERNA JAB? 

The US Centers for Disease Control recommends anyone over the age of 18 is suitable to get vaccinated with Moderna.

In Australia, regulatory health bodies are yet to determine what age group will be eligible.

BUT WHAT ABOUT KIDS?

Given the highly infectious nature of the Indian Delta variant Moderna is in the midst of planning a clinical trial for children aged between 6-12.

About 6000 children are expected to be involved in the US study and the company has also flagged it may include nations like Canada and Australia.

Exactly when the trial is to get underway and if Australia will be involved is still being discussed.

WHAT ADVANTAGES DOES MODERNA HAVE?

Although the Moderna vaccine is similar to the Pfizer jab, it doesn't not need to be stored at minus-75 degrees Celsius in specifically designed medical freezer units.

Moderna doses can be stored at -20 degrees Celsius, roughly the same temperatures as a regular kitchen freezer.

That means it will be far easier to transport the Modern vaccine into rural areas.