On Friday 15 September, the European Commission authorised the Covid-19 vaccine adapted with Spikevax XBB.1.5, developed by Moderna. This is the third adaptation of this vaccine to respond to new variants of Covid-19 (see EUROPE 13241/13).
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has carried out a rigorous evaluation of the vaccine under the accelerated assessment mechanism. The Commission has authorised this vaccine under a fast-track procedure so that Member States can prepare in time for their autumn and winter vaccination campaigns.
In line with previous recommendations from the EMA and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), adults and children aged 5 and over who are due to be vaccinated are advised to receive a single dose, regardless of their history of vaccination against coronavirus.
The Commission is continuing to ensure that Member States have access to the latest Covid-19 vaccines authorised in order to protect vulnerable people and respond to the epidemiological evolution of the virus.
Moderna has adapted its Covid-19 vaccine to target the XBB.1.5 strain of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron. This adaptation is in line with the ECDC-EMA statement on updating the composition of Covid-19 vaccines for new variants of SARS-CoV-2. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)