Yesterday the UK became the first nation in the world to approve a brand new Covid-19 vaccine, which has been described as 'next-generation' by medical experts.
Moderna's new vaccine is the first Covid jab to target both the original strain of the virus as well as the Omicron variant, which ravaged the UK last winter.
The booster dose, known as 'Spikevax bivalent Original/Omicron', was approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on Monday and will be rolled out to the public as part of the autumn booster programme.
We've put together everything you should know about who is eligible for the jab and how it works in the fight against Covid.
How does the new Covid vaccine work?
The new vaccine is bivalent, meaning it works against two infections - the original strain and Omicron.
According to Moderna's chief medical officer Paul Burton, it can boost antibodies up to such high levels that the jab may only be needed annually.
It has been in the works since the huge wave of Omicron last year and is based on the original Moderna vaccine that many people have already received.
Professor Stephen Evans, pharmacoepidemiology professor at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: "This vaccine contains two components; the first is the original Moderna Covid vaccine for which there is both very large clinical trial data and massive experience following its introduction in many countries including the UK.
“The second is a modification of that original vaccine targeted at the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 which is a new component.”
Who can get the new Covid vaccine in Scotland?
Health officials are hoping that the new jab will be rolled out as part of the autumn booster programme.
At the moment, the eligible groups for the booster are:
- Adults over 65
- Frontline health and social care staff
Other groups will be invited as the programme goes on and it's hoped that it will keep immunity levels high.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Following the JCVI’s recommendations, we will roll out the winter booster programme getting jabs in arms from early September to ensure those most at risk are protected over winter."
Stephane Bancel, chief executive of Moderna, described it as a “next generation Covid-19 vaccine” which will play an “important role in protecting people in the UK from Covid-19” over the winter.
When will I get the new Covid vaccine?
According to Health Secretary Steve Barclay, the new jab will aim to be part of the rollout from early September. Those who are eligible can expect to be contacted around that time.
Mr Barclay said: "Vaccines remain our best defence against Covid, and this safe and effective vaccine will broaden immunity and potentially improve protections against some variants as we learn to live with this virus.
“Our vaccine rollout to date has been world leading – it has already saved countless lives and reduced the pressure on the NHS.
“We will begin to contact those eligible from early September, and I would urge people to come forward as soon as they are invited so together we can keep each other safe and protect our NHS.”
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