Study Shows Moderna’s Covid-19 Vaccine ‘Safe and Effective’ Among Adolescents

Yesterday Moderna announced it’s Covid-19 vaccine is safe and effective in adolescents. The news follows a trial of 3,732 children ages 12 to 17. Blood tests from those participants showed the vaccine produced an immune response similar to the one seen in adults. Initial observations showed that none of the children that received the vaccine were diagnosed with Covid-19 anytime after 14 days of getting their second dose and only four children who received the placebo tested positive for the virus. Moderna says those findings are ‘consistent with a vaccine efficacy of 100%’ and noted that those figures could change if more data is collected.

The company also reviewed how well the shot worked after only one dose and results show the vaccine was 93% effective at preventing mild cases of the virus. Side effects seen among adolescents include headaches, fatigue, muscle pain and chills after the second dose. Moderna will submit the results to the FDA early next month along with a request for authorization to use the vaccine in that age group.