Moderna launches COVID booster campaign

Even though the pandemic feels like it’s over, COVID-19 variants are still spreading throughout the country. It’s still important for people to get vaccination boosters, although rates of vaccinations and awareness of new boosters has dropped.

Moderna has issued an updated version of its vaccine that protects against the KP.21 variant that’s causing infection rates to rise. Along with the new boosters, Moderna is launching an advertising campaign to raise awareness of the continued need for vaccinations.

The campaign is called “Do It For You & Them and focuses on the impact that COVID-19 can have on the day-to-day lives of the American public. For example, people have been forced to miss out on important personal events, like a loved one’s wedding, due to having to having to quarantine.

In a press release, Moderna’s chief medical affairs officer Francesca Ceddia said, “COVID-19 remains a significant health risk and is a leading cause of respiratory illness-related hospitalization, regardless of age or health condition. Vaccination remains a critical tool in preventing COVID-19, mitigating the impact of Long COVID and protecting the health of our communities. We remain deeply committed to public health and encouraging people to stay up to date on their vaccines this fall. These efforts will play an important role in informing and educating people about the ongoing risks of COVID-19 in their communities."

In the same press release, Moderna’s chief brand officer Kate Cronin added, “Our campaign is all about connecting with people on a personal level, reminding them of the importance of staying healthy not just for themselves, but for the people who depend on them. This campaign is centered on how many people truly depend on us to be reliable and present, whether for day-to-day needs or something more meaningful like having a parent or grandparent attend a school performance. By focusing on the emotional impact of vaccination, we hope to inspire individuals to take action and be there for their loved ones by staying up to date on their vaccines."

FDA granted approval to Moderna’s updated COVID booster in late August of this year.2

At the time, Moderna’s CEO Stephane Bancel said, “COVID-19 remains a significant health risk and is the leading cause of respiratory illness-related hospitalization, regardless of age or health condition. In the 2023-24 season, we saw more than 600,000 hospitalizations due to COVID in the U.S. Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine remains one of the best ways for people to be protected and prevent severe illness. We appreciate the U.S. FDA's timely review and encourage individuals to speak to their healthcare providers about receiving their updated COVID-19 vaccine alongside their flu shot this fall."

Bancel also commented on the recent announcement that the European Commission had granted approval to Moderna’s RSV vaccine,3 saying, “The European Commission's approval of mRESVIA is an important milestone for public health and highlights Moderna's mRNA leadership. This approval marks the first time an mRNA vaccine has been approved for a disease beyond COVID-19 in Europe. mRESVIA safeguards older adults against severe RSV outcomes and is uniquely offered in a pre-filled syringe to enhance ease of administration, which can reduce vaccine preparation time and administrative errors."

References

1. Moderna Launches National Awareness Campaign to Help Drive COVID-19 Vaccination. Moderna. August 29, 2024. Accessed September 3, 2024. https://investors.modernatx.com/news/news-details/2024/Moderna-Launches-National-Awareness-Campaign-to-Help-Drive-COVID-19-Vaccination/default.aspx
2. Moderna Receives U.S. FDA Approval for Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Targeting KP.2 Variant of SARS-CoV-2. Moderna. August 22, 2024. Accessed September 3, 2024. https://investors.modernatx.com/news/news-details/2024/Moderna-Receives-U.S.-FDA-Approval-for-Updated-COVID-19-Vaccine-Targeting-KP.2-Variant-of-SARS-CoV-2/default.aspx
3. Moderna Receives European Commission Approval for RSV Vaccine mRESVIA(R). Moderna. August 23, 2024. Accessed September 3, 2024. https://investors.modernatx.com/news/news-details/2024/Moderna-Receives-European-Commission-Approval-for-RSV-Vaccine-mRESVIAR/default.aspx