Moderna's updated JN.1 COVID-19 vaccine approved by MHRA

The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has authorized mRNA specialist Moderna’s (Nasdaq: MRNA) updated COVID-19 vaccine targeting the JN.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2.

Following the MHRA decision, doses will be available for eligible groups as part of the National Health Service (NHS) fall vaccination program, which is prioritized for use in those people at greatest risk of serous illness from COVID-19, the US company said. At present, the JN.1 group of subvariants remain dominant in the UK.

Moderna noted that, for the first time in the UK, the updated vaccine, Spikevax JN.1, will also be available to purchase privately for those who are not eligible for the NHS fall vaccination program. The updated vaccine will be available from high street pharmacies, occupational health providers and private healthcare companies.