Enough doses of the COVID-19 vaccines should be available come mid-2022, according to the CEO of Moderna.
The scarcity of the COVID-19 vaccines is one of the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. But, manufacturers, like Moderna, continue to increase their respective production capacities to meet the global demand.
This is the reason why public health experts have expressed opposition to COVID-19 booster shots. While more than 40 percent of the world population has already received at least a dose of the vaccines, only two percent of the share are from low-income nations.
The CEO of Moderna believes, however, that there will be enough vaccine doses by the middle of next year. Accordingly, he thinks that the coronavirus pandemic could likely end next year, according to Channel News Asia.
The end of the COVID-19 pandemic
Speaking to an interview with Swiss newspaper Neue Zuercher Zeitung, Stephane Bancel shared his assumptions about the potential end of the pandemic.
He said that it could be over “in a year” as the production of the COVID-19 vaccines continues to increase, ensuring global supply. He also claimed that vaccinations would soon be available even for infants.
The CEO continued that people can either get vaccinated, leading to a good winter, or refuse, risking getting sick and likely ending up in hospital. Nevertheless, he asserted that those who would not get the jabs will “immunise themselves naturally.”
In the end, Bancel added that the world will arrive at a similar situation to that of the flu.
COVID-19 could resemble the common cold
Several other experts share similar views as the Moderna CEO. Professor Sir John Bell of Oxford University stated that coronavirus could resemble the common cold come spring season, according to Sky News. He explained that this comes as the vaccines, as well as “exposure” to COVID-19, boost people’s immunity.
Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, meanwhile, noted that viruses “tend to become weaker” as they persist to spread. Sir John, later on, responded that things have become “a lot better” in comparison to the situation six months ago.
About the Moderna boosters
During his interview, Stephane Bancel also talked about the COVID-19 booster shots. He believed that the public will need them soon, according to Forbes.
The Moderna CEO stated that vaccinated individuals “undoubtedly” needed a refresher. He also revealed that the company’s booster shot will be half the dose of the original formulation. This means more shots will become available.
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