Spain set to receive Moderna vaccine

THE second vaccine approved by the European Union is on its way with 600,000 doses of Moderna heading to Spain to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

The EU has 160 million shots on order, and they will be distributed amongst the 27 member states as they are produced.

Said to be more than 94% effective, EU health chiefs have authorised it to inoculate people aged over 18.

The jab has a logistical advantage over the Pfizer-BioNTech shot – unlike its rival it is required to be conserved at minus 20 degrees for conservation but can last for about 30 days in a normal refrigerator; the Pfizer vaccine must be kept at minus 70 degrees.

The first Moderna vaccines are scheduled to arrive next week and the Valencia region will take delivery of some 50,000 vaccines – like the Pfizer jab, it is administered in two doses.

Valencia’s health minister Ana Barceló said it was ‘very positive’ a second vaccine was now approved and available in the fight against Covid-19. “Valencia is ready to administer it as soon as the first doses arrive.”