A shipment of Moderna vaccines sufficient for the vaccination of 900 people arrived at Semmelweis University, which the institution will use to vaccinate the staff and residents of nursing homes in Budapest.
On 14 January 2021, the first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine arrived at Semmelweis University, which is an mRNA-based system, similar to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in use since 26 December 2020. This batch is sufficient for the vaccination of 900 people.
“The university will administer the vaccine to the staff and residents of nursing homes in Budapest in cooperation with the Government Office of the City. Semmelweis University staff have vaccinated 1,957 in nursing homes so far.”, said Dr. Attila Szabó, Vice-Rector for Clinical Affairs and President of the Clinical Centre.
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is administered intramuscularly (typically into the upper arm), the same way as the Pfizer vaccine, however this serum does not require dilution. A second, booster shot is necessary, but unlike in case of the Pfizer vaccine, 28 days later instead of 21. Based on the results of clinical trials, 14 days after the second dose the vaccine provides 94% protection. Moderna should also be stored refrigerated, but -20 degrees are sufficient in contrast to the necessary refrigeration temperature of -70 degrees in case of the Pfizer vaccine.
Corresponding to the Pfizer vaccination protocol, Moderna cannot be administered to patients with acute diseases and high temperature, to pregnant women or those who are planning to become pregnant within two months and to those who received other vaccines in the past two weeks.
Dr. Attila Szabó reminded that it is important not to mix the two vaccines. According to the vaccine’s description, Moderna is recommended for people aged 18 years and older.
Pálma Dobozi
Photo: Attila Kovács – Semmelweis University
Translation: Ágnes Raubinek
