US FDA approves Moderna's next-gen COVID vaccine for adults 65 or older - Reuters

US FDA approves Moderna's next-gen COVID vaccine for adults 65 or older - Reuters

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Moderna's next-generation COVID-19 vaccine for all individuals aged 65 and older, marking a significant step in the ongoing battle against the pandemic. This approval comes after the FDA tightened its regulatory requirements, indicating a more stringent review process for new vaccines [1].

The vaccine, which uses mRNA technology, has also been approved for individuals aged 12 to 64 with at least one or more underlying risk factors, such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer. This expanded approval aims to protect vulnerable populations who are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 complications [1].

The approval follows a period of intense scrutiny and debate over the necessity and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines for various age groups and risk profiles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently removed COVID-19 vaccinations from the list of recommended vaccines for healthy children and pregnant women, citing insufficient evidence that healthy individuals under 65 would benefit from additional shots [2].

The CDC's new recommendations align with the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines, which do not recommend annual shots for healthy individuals under age 50, unless they have not been previously vaccinated against COVID-19. However, the WHO does recommend that pregnant women receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine during each pregnancy [2].

This development is part of a broader trend in public health policy, reflecting a shift towards more targeted and evidence-based approaches to vaccine recommendations. As the pandemic continues to evolve, these decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of COVID-19 vaccination strategies.

References:
[1] https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2025:newsml_L2N3S300Z:0-us-fda-approves-moderna-s-next-gen-covid-vaccine-for-adults-65-or-older/
[2] https://www.krtv.com/health/cdc-to-eliminate-covid-19-vaccine-recommendations-for-children-pregnant-women