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How close are we to getting a second vaccine out?

Michigan expects to receive 173,000 doses of the vaccine from Moderna.

DETROIT – Could a second shot of hope soon be available? The FDA’s vaccine advisory panel voted Thursday to recommend the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use authorization.

The panel of independent experts has been reviewing the safety, efficacy and implications of recommending the second vaccine.

The favorable vote from the panel clears the path for Moderna’s vaccine to become the second approved for use in the United States. The FDA does not have to follow the advice of the panel, but it often does.

Moderna had the advantage of watching the FDA’s review of the Pfizer vaccine and came prepared to answer the anticipated questions.

The are key differences between their vaccine and Pfizer’s, Moderna said, but they will continue to closely monitor recipients for any sign of allergic reaction.

RELATED: How you will know when it’s your turn to be vaccinated

The company also addressed concerns about the MRNA in the vaccine and said it is quickly eliminated naturally by the body.

There was a significant discussion about the impact Pfizer’s authorization has already had on Moderna’s participants. More than 25% of Moderna’s volunteers are health care workers who are now eligible to get Pfizer’s vaccine.

Moderna has proposed using vaccine leftover from the clinical trial to vaccinate those in the placebo group to encourage them to remain in the study.

The ongoing data is important to monitor long-term safety and also to allow Moderna and Pfizer to apply for full approval from the FDA, expected in late-spring.


About the Authors
Devin Scillian headshot

Devin Scillian is equally at home on your television, on your bookshelf, and on your stereo. Devin anchors the evening newscasts for Local 4. Additionally, he moderates Flashpoint, Local 4's Sunday morning news program. He is also a best-selling author of children's books, and an award-winning musician and songwriter.

Dane Kelly headshot

Dane is a producer and media enthusiast. He previously worked freelance video production and writing jobs in Michigan, Georgia and Massachusetts. Dane graduated from the Specs Howard School of Media Arts.

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