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New Moderna vaccine to be sole option for 3rd booster shot
The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says Moderna's second-generation coronavirus vaccine will be the only option for people planning to get a third booster shot.Eligible recipients must take the shot a minimum of three months after their second booster. The statement comes after the CECC announced that it expects to take delivery of doses of the updated Moderna vaccine by the end of the month.
According to centre spokesman Zhuang Ren-xiang, Moderna's second-generation vaccine will initially be reserved for vulnerable groups, including seniors aged 65 and above, and adults aged 18 and above with compromised immune systems.
The second stage of the rollout will cover individuals aged 50-64, those aged 18 and above who need to travel overseas, as well as individuals whose work places them at a higher risk of infection.
Figures show that about 6.79 million individuals will be eligible for the updated Moderna shots - and that includes 2.83 million in the first stage and 3.96 million in the second stage rollout.
This comes as the CECC reported 36,707 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, of which only 314 were imported infections. Health officials say 16 previously reported cases have now been listed as severe, while 33 others have developed moderate symptoms. Twenty one new deaths were reported. The deceased ranged in age from their teens to their 90s.
All but one suffered from chronic illnesses or other severe diseases, and eight were unvaccinated. The CECC expects the daily load to increase by about 5,000 this week.
It also expects to report around 40,000 new coronavirus cases per day over the coming days as more cases of the Omicron BA.5 subvariant are reported.
