COVID-19: Shipments of Moderna vaccine leave production facilities in US

First shipment of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, on December 20, left a distribution centre in US, a desperate move to curb spread of COVID-19. much-needed shots are expected to be iculated starting December 23, just three days after Food and Drug Administration(FDA) authorized ir emergency use. America started its ambitious mass iculation programme on December 14 and is only nation to authorize two vaccine candidates.

Read: Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized By US FDA, Second Vaccine After Pfizer

According to Associated Press, several trucks on Sunday left factory in Memphis area in state of Tennessee carrying vaccine developed by Moderna Inc. and National Institutes of Health for later distribution. While health officials have prioritized frontline healthcare workers and elderly citizens for iculation, a committee is set to meet to discuss people who should be next in line for vaccine shots. Regardless, experts have predicted that general population would have to wait until spring of 2021 to get vaccine.

FDA authorises Moderna jab

United States of America FDA authorized Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use on December 18. Millions of doses will be shipped across country affected most by pandemic. This marks world’s first authorization for Moderna’s vaccine shots.  Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved by UK on December 2, followed by or countries including United States. 

Read: 2nd COVID-19 Vaccine Authorised In US Ships Out

"With availability of two vaccines w for prevention of COVID-19, FDA has taken ar crucial step in fight against this global pandemic that is causing vast numbers of hospitalizations and deaths in United States each day," said FDA Commissioner Stephen M Hahn to PTI.

US President-elect Joe Biden and future first lady, Jill Biden, will reportedly get vaccine doses on Monday, December 21 (local time). US Vice President Mike Pence received Pfizer-BioNTech shot on live television, along with Surgeon General Jerome Adams on Friday, to assure people about effectiveness of vaccine.

Read: Moderna's COVID-19 Vaccine Recommended For People 18yrs And Older: US CDC

Read: Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized By US FDA, Second Vaccine After Pfizer

Im: AP