Moderna Vaccine is an mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccine that provides active immunization against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing Covid-19). Approved for use in individuals aged 18 or above, it is the fourth Covid-19 vaccine to be granted emergency use approval in India after Covishield, Covaxin, and Sputnik V. Moderna Vaccine is developed by Moderna Inc., US, and will be imported to India by the Mumbai-based pharma company Cipla. It has been given Emergency Use Authorization by many countries, the first being the US. Clinical trials suggest that it has an efficacy of around 94.1% in individuals who have not been exposed to COVID-19 infection earlier, and around 86% in those aged more than 65 years. Moderna Vaccine is administered by a healthcare professional into a muscle (intramuscularly) in the upper arm. It is usually given in two doses, 28 days apart. Complete protection may be expected after 2 weeks of taking the second dose. So, it is advised to receive both doses in the recommended schedule. Some of the common side effects that may be experienced after vaccination include injection site pain, redness or swelling, fatigue, headache, myalgia (muscle pain), arthralgia (joint pain), chills, nausea or vomiting, axillary (underarm) swelling or tenderness, and fever. Furthermore, more people experienced these side effects after the second dose. These side effects are usually temporary (last a few days). However, if they persist or become bothersome, get medical help. It is recommended to tell the doctor about any other illnesses such as fever, bleeding disorders, and immune disorders. Also, let the doctor know about all the medicines that you may be taking. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, or those who are planning a baby, must consult a doctor before taking the vaccine.

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever

• Q. Q. Are there any serious side effects of Moderna Vaccine??
  Ans: Yes, there have been instances of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in people who received Moderna Vaccine. It is therefore advised that those people who experience an immediate severe allergic reaction to the first dose, should not receive additional doses. Additionally, there have been cases of myocarditis (inflammation in the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation in the outer lining of the heart) seen in people, after getting the second dose particularly. If you have any doubts, consult your doctor.
• Q. Q. Does Moderna Vaccine protect against the newer strains/mutated versions of the COVID-19 virus??
  Ans: As per the currently available evidence, newer strains/mutated versions of COVID-19 do not alter the safety or effectiveness of Moderna Vaccine. So, it can be said that they may be able to protect you against the newer strains of the virus. However, studies are still underway to get more data around this.
• Q. Q. Can Moderna Vaccine be given to children??
  Ans: Moderna Vaccine has not been studied for safety and effectiveness in the children/pediatric population so far. As per the current guidelines, only people aged 18 years or older are advised to receive this vaccine. Therefore, it is advised not to give any COVID-19 vaccine to children till we have enough data available.
• Q. Q. Is it important to take both doses of Moderna Vaccine??
  Ans: Yes. It is extremely important to get both doses of Moderna Vaccine. It is only after 2 weeks of getting the second dose, that complete protection is expected.
• Q. Q. If the second dose is missed, do we need to repeat the series??
  Ans: If the second dose is missed, or an individual is unable to take the second dose due to unavoidable circumstances like vaccine unavailability, the interval between both doses may be extended up to 42 days. Repetition of the vaccination series is not required even if the time-lapse is greater than 42 days (or 6 weeks).
• Q. Q. Will a booster dose be required in the future??
  Ans: So far, there is no booster dose being given after completing the two-dose vaccination with Moderna Vaccine. A third booster dose may be available in the latter part of the year but for now, the two-dose regime is being followed worldwide.
• Q. Q. Can a vaccinated person get COVID-19??
  Ans: Any of the available vaccines do not offer 100% protection against the deadly COVID-19 infection. But, studies suggest that the risk of getting seriously infected is reduced in a vaccinated person when compared to an unvaccinated individual. Follow all the necessary precautions like maintaining social distance, wearing a mask, frequent washing of hands, or using a sanitizer to stay protected.
• Q. Q. What are the most common side effects of Moderna Vaccine??
  Ans: The most common side effects of Moderna Vaccine are injection site pain, redness or swelling, fatigue, headache, myalgia, arthralgia, chills, nausea or vomiting, axillary swelling or tenderness, and fever. However, these are mild and usually resolve with time. If they bother you or do not go away, please consult the doctor. The doctor will prescribe some medicines or may suggest ways to cope up with these side effects.
• Q. Q. How can Moderna Vaccine be stored??
  Ans: Moderna Vaccine may be stored refrigerated between 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F) for up to 30 days before first use. After the first dose has been given, the vial should be kept between 2° to 25°C (36° to 77°F). Any leftover vaccine should be discarded 12 hours after the first use.
• Q. Q. What should I tell my doctor before getting Moderna Vaccine??
  Ans: Before getting Moderna Vaccine you should tell your doctor if you are on regular medication for any illness, for how long, and for which condition. Inform your doctor if you have a history of myocarditis or pericarditis, any allergies, fever, a bleeding disorder, are on blood thinners, or if you are immunocompromised or are on a medicine that affects your immune system. You must consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Let your doctor know if you have received another COVID-19 vaccine earlier too.
• Q. Q. I have high blood pressure and diabetes. Can I still get vaccinated with Moderna Vaccine??
  Ans: Yes. Moderna Vaccine is safe and effective in people with known medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, liver, lung, or kidney disease, as well as chronic infections that are stable and controlled. So, if your blood pressure and blood sugar levels are controlled, you may get vaccinated. However, please consult the doctor before getting vaccinated with Moderna Vaccine if they are not under adequate control.
• Q. Q. I already got infected with COVID-19 once. Do I still need to get vaccinated??
  Ans: Yes. People who have already been infected with COVID-19 should still get vaccinated unless told otherwise by their healthcare provider. Even if you’ve had a previous infection, the vaccine acts as a booster that strengthens the immune response. There have also been some cases of people getting re-infected with COVID-19, which makes getting vaccinated even more important.
• Q. Q. Which COVID-19 vaccines are granted emergency use authorization in India??
  Ans: Five vaccines that have been granted emergency use authorization by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) in India are Covishield (AstraZeneca's vaccine, manufactured by Serum Institute of India), Covaxin (manufactured by Bharat Biotech Limited), Sputnik V (Russia's vaccine, being manufactured by Dr. Reddy's laboratories in India), Moderna (US vaccine being imported by Cipla, India) and the most recent being Johnson and Johnson’s single dose Covid-19 Vaccine.

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