Moderna might work better than Pfizer against delta variant

The following is a roundup of some of the latest scientific studies on the novel coronavirus and efforts to find treatments and vaccines for COVID-19.

Moderna vaccine proves to be better

The mRNA vaccine of Pfizer and BioNTech might not perform better against the Delta variant of the coronavirus in comparison to the Moderna vaccine.

In a study of more than 50,000 patients in the Mayo Clinic Health System, researchers found the Moderna vaccine to be more effective against infection which had dropped to 76% in July when the Delta variant was more predominant from 86% in early 2021.

Over the same time, the effectiveness of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine was tested and results showed a fall from 76% to 42%, researchers said. While both the vaccines remain effective at preventing COVID hospitalization, a Moderna booster or vaccination performed better.

In another study, elderly nursing home residents in Ontario produced stronger immune responses, especially to dangerous variants, the Moderna vaccine worked better than the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.

The elderly might need higher doses, or boosters, and other preventative measures.