Moderna Covid Vaccine Shows Nearly 95% Protection

A potential vaccine that protects against Covid-19 is nearly 95% effective according to early data from US company Moderna.

This announcement comes quickly after similar results from Pfizer, and growing confidence that vaccines can finally help end the pandemic. Both companies used a highly innovative and experimental approach to designing their vaccines which are showing promising early signs.

Moderna says it is a "great day" and they plan to apply for approval to use the vaccine in the next few weeks. However, the government stresses that this is still too early to get our hopes up.

Moderna v Pfizer

Both vaccines have used the same approach of injecting part of the virus's genetic code in order to provoke an immune response.

The preliminary data seen so far is very similar - around 90% protection for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and around 95% for Moderna's.

Despite the initial success both trials are still taking place and the final numbers could change.

Moderna's vaccine appears to be easier to store as it remains stable at - 20C for up to 6 months and can be kept in a standard fridge for up to 1 month. Pfizer's vaccine however needs ultra-cold storage at around - 75C, but it can be kept in the fridge for 5 days.