By Carl O’Donnell

(Reuters) – Moderna (NASDAQ:) The COVID-19 vaccine from Inc could be available in the United States in a matter of weeks, the chief executive stated in an interview before the Reuters Total Health conference that it will take place virtually between Nov. 15-18.

Staphane Bancel CEO at Moderna stated that, after a dialogue with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration he believes the COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 12-17 will soon be allowed.

Moderna will apply for U.S. regulatory clearances in children 6-11 years old “very soon”, Bancel explained, adding that Moderna hopes that this age group can start to receive Moderna’s vaccines by the end.

Bancel stated to Reuters that it was possible for 6-11-year-olds to have access to Moderna’s vaccine on the other side of Christmas. [See link to all Reuters Total Health interviews here: https://reutersevents.com/events/healthcare/]

Bancel indicated that Moderna plans to publish data from its vaccination study with children as young and as old as six months or less by the close of this year, or as early as 2022.

Moderna submitted a U.S. application for authorization for the shot it gave to children aged 12-17 in June. It published positive data https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/moderna-says-its-covid-19-vaccine-generates-immune-response-young-children-2021-10-25 from a clinical trial in children ages 6 to 11 this week, but has not yet submitted an application to regulators for that age group.

Children becoming severely ill from COVID-19 are less common than adults. However, there is a risk of them dying or getting worse. There have been cases where infections among unvaccinated children.

A panel of advisors to FDA supported the FDA’s use of Pfizer ‘s shot https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-fda-advisers-weigh-pfizerbiontech-covid-19-vaccine-children-2021-10-26 in children ages 5 to 11. The FDA and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still need to approve this.

Are you looking for ANNUAL BOOOSTER SHOTS

In recent months there has been a spike in coronavirus infections worldwide due to the Delta variant. Several countries are now offering vaccine booster shots for some individuals to combat this surge.

Last week, U.S. regulators approved a booster dose of Moderna’s vaccine at half the strength for those 65 years and over and people who have high risks of developing severe diseases from their job or are suffering from health issues.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:) was authorized for boosters to the same group by partner BioNTech Se (NASDAQ:).

Bancel stated that he believes people older than 50 years will require annual COVID-19 vaccine booster shots beginning in 2023, as protection from the virus deteriorates over time. Experts disagree on whether boosters are needed in large numbers.

Bancel stated, “I can see a world in which everyone is 50 years old and over by 2023,” “It is a population that causes hospitalizations and too many deaths.”

Bancel stated that Moderna is engaged in an ongoing dialog about licensing its COVID-19 vaccine for long-term use to South African manufacturing centers. This was supported by the World Health Organization.

To improve access for developing countries, the WHO will be distributing more COVID-19 vaccinations to Africa. This is after wealthy nations purchased most of this year’s supplies. Many nations are now suffering from low vaccine rates.

In September, a WHO representative told Reuters the lack of progress with Moderna was a sign that the project would be delayed.

Bancel explained that the company has made clear it will not litigate (patent rights), during the pandemic. The question now is whether they would like a long-term license. As you all know, licensing can have many implications.