UK becomes 1st country to approve COVID-19 jab against both original, omicron strains

By Karim El-Bar

LONDON (AA) - The UK on Monday approved a COVID-19 vaccine that targets both the original novel coronavirus strain, as well as the omicron variant, becoming the first country in the world to do so.

The vaccine is a booster dose produced by Moderna, known as "Spikevax bivalent Original/Omicron."

Bivalent vaccines are jabs that work for two distinct infections.

Approval was given by Britain's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

"I am pleased to announce the approval of the Moderna bivalent booster vaccine, which was found in the clinical trial to provide a strong immune response against the Omicron BA.1 variant as well as the original 2020 strain," MHRA Chief Executive June Raine said in a statement.

"The first generation of COVID-19 vaccines being used in the UK continue to provide important protection against the disease and save lives. What this bivalent vaccine gives us is a sharpened tool in our armoury to help protect us against this disease as the virus continues to evolve," she added.

The EU, Canada, and Australia have all also received the vaccine, with drug authorities to decide on the approval.