The Food and Drug Administration released a report Tuesday
morning supporting Moderna's request for emergency use authorization for its
COVID-19 vaccine.
The announcement is big step forward in getting millions of
people across the country vaccinated as the spread of the virus continues takes
its toll on communities nationwide.
In its analysis, the
FDA found that Modena's vaccine was
safe and effective with a 95% effective rate at least two weeks after Moderna's
second dose was taken.
It also found that there were some mild, but rare side
effects in clinical volunteers, including fatigue and headaches.
The FDA report comes on the heels of Pfizer's vaccine rollout, which is now being given to hospital workers
and at long-term care facilities across the country.
An advisory board from the Centers of Disease Control and
Prevention is expected to vote on whether to give its recommendation. If that
is approved, the FDA could grant Moderna emergency use authorization for its
vaccine as soon as Friday.