UK authorises 'next generation' omicron booster vaccine in world first

The UK is the first country in the world to authorise an omicron-specific booster vaccination, with an updated version of the Moderna jab set to be available in time for an autumn campaign.

.The US-based company's so-called bivalent vaccine combines both the original form of the Covid vaccine, with a version tailored for omicron, currently the dominant strain. 

Data published in June shows the two-in-one vaccine gives just as good protection against omicron as the first jab did against the original strain of SARS-CoV-2.

Half of the dose is the original (25 micrograms) and the other half is the genetic code to target omicron, providing protection against both.

On Monday, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) authorised the new Covid vaccine for use in the UK, making Britain the first country in the world to give the green light to an updated, omicron-specific jab. 

"We are delighted with the MHRA’s authorisation of Spikevax Bivalent Original/Omicron, our next-generation Covid-19 vaccine," said Stéphane Bancel, the chief executive of Moderna.

"This represents the first authorisation of an omicron-containing bivalent vaccine, further highlighting the dedication and leadership of the UK public health authorities in helping to end the Covid-19 pandemic."