CDC green-lights Moderna COVID vaccine, distribution begins

DETROIT – The second COVID-19 vaccine has been given the green light by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be given to adults across the nation.

The CDC accepted the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’(ACIP) recommendation for use of the Moderna vaccine on Sunday, Dec. 20.

The American Medical Association released the following statement regarding the authorization of Moderna’s vaccine:

The Moderna vaccine began shipping out Sunday, just days after the Food and Drug Administration authorized it for emergency use.

Moderna said an estimated 20 million doses will be delivered by the end of this year.

Moderna’s vaccine does not have to be stored at the same low temperatures as the Pfizer vaccine. Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine requires storage of negative 94 degrees Fahrenheit, while Moderna’s vaccine requires a storage temperature of negative four degrees Fahrenheit.

Both the Moderna vaccine and the Pfizer shot require individuals receive two doses several weeks apart.

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