Singapore approves Moderna's updated Spikevax vaccine for Omicron sub-variants
The HSA said it has assessed that the overall evidence supported authorisation of the updated Spikevax vaccine.
Nisha Rahim
·News and Lifestyle Producer
Fri, 13 October 2023 at 8:11 pm SGT·2-min read
The updated vaccine is suitable for individuals aged six months and older. (PHOTO by Dinendra Haria/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
SINGAPORE— The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has granted approval to Moderna for an updated COVID-19 vaccine, specifically designed to provide protection against the current Omicron sub-variants of the virus.
In a release on on Friday (13 Oct), the HSA said considered and reviewed the data that the updated vaccine enhances the body's immune response to the main Omicron variants currently spreading, such as XBB.1.5, EG.5 (Eris), and the emerging BA.2.86.
"Based on the totality of evidence, and with the support of the Medicines Advisory Committee and the Panel of Infectious Diseases Experts, HSA has assessed that the overall evidence supported authorisation of the updated Spikevax vaccine," the authority said.
This updated Spikevax vaccine is suitable for individuals aged six months and older.
Singapore is currently grappling with another COVID-19 infection wave, with daily estimates rising from approximately 1,000 cases four weeks ago to more than 2,000 cases in the past three weeks.
About the updated Spikevax vaccine
Spikevax's mechanism of action remains identical to the original vaccine, consisting of a monovalent component that targets the Omicron XBB.1.5 variant, said the HSA.The HSA stated that it maintains the same standards of "quality, safety, and efficacy" as the original vaccine, and anticipates that the updated vaccine will "retain the favourable benefit-risk balance" seen in the original.
This is the second updated COVID-19 vaccine to receive authorisation from the HSA, following the approval of Pfizer's updated Comirnaty vaccine on 12 September.
The HSA emphasised the importance of regularly updating approved COVID-19 vaccines to ensure their ongoing effectiveness.
"Such changes include replacement of strain, antigen, or coding sequence according to international recommendations. This approach has been established for seasonal influenza vaccines which are updated every 6 months," it added.
