An expert panel of the WHO has released the first guidance on the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. The agency has stated that the vaccine must be given to the beneficiaries in two separate doses, at a gap of 28 days.

The agency’s advisory group of experts on immunization, SAGE, added that in some unprecedented situations, this gap could be extended to 42 days. Dr Alejandro Cravioto, SAGE Chair, said that on the basis of available evidence, SAGE recommends that two doses of the vaccine - 100 micrograms, 0.5 milliliter each, must be administered 28 days apart. However, if deemed necessary, in case of exceptional circumstances pertaining to the COVID-19 disease burden in a specific country, the interval can be extended to 42 days. The SAGE chief stated that this was the longest interval between the doses provided in clinical trials till today… (UN, January 26, 2021)