Sweden and Denmark announced they would recommend younger individuals avoid obtaining Moderna’s (NSDQ:MRNA) vaccine until further notice. The two countries cited the potential risk of myocarditis and pericarditis.
Sweden recommended halting the use of the vaccine in individuals born in 1991 or later. Meanwhile, the Danish Health Agency advised that the vaccine should not be used in individuals under 18.
MRNA shares dipped 5.10% apiece in mid-day trading.
The Public Health Agency of Sweden concluded that the connection between the Moderna vaccine and heart inflammation was “clear,” “especially after the second dose.” The risk, however, was very rare, it added.
The Swedish agency noted that it was conducting further research to further investigate the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis.
Denmark has resolved to continue vaccinating eligible individuals under 18 with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. Sweden has reached a similar conclusion.
Denmark and Sweden based their decision to pause the use of the Moderna vaccine in younger individuals on an unpublished study conducted in four Scandinavian countries. They have shared the data with the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
The EMA had authorized the use of the Spikevax in children over the age of 12 in July.
In separate news, Moderna announced a fellowship program for young researchers focusing on mRNA therapies.
Filed Under: Infectious Disease
