South Africa makes its own version of Moderna Vaccine

South Africa scientists have created a replica of the Moderna COVID-19 (mRNA-1273) vaccine. The first to be made in the continent. The break through was announced by Afrigen Biologics and Vaccines, a biotechnology company based in Cape Town.

This is an effort by World Health organization (WHO) to end vaccine shortage in developing countries. Moderna jab was chosen since the company said it will not enforce patent restriction on the vaccine during the pandemic.

WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) recommends the use of the Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine at a schedule of two doses (100 µg, 0.5 ml each) 28 days apart. If necessary, the interval between the doses may be extended to 42 days.The vaccine should not be administered to persons younger than 18 years of age pending the results of further studies.

Afrigen announced its vaccine could be tested on humans before the end of the year. Africa is the least vaccinated continent and only depends on donated Covid -19 Vaccines.