By Michael Erman

(Reuters). Moderna Inc claimed Monday that a booster shot of COVID-19 was effective in preventing the Omicron virus from spreading rapidly. The current vaccine would still be the company’s “first line” of defense.

According to the vaccine manufacturer, the rapid spread of the newly discovered variant influenced the decision to concentrate on the vaccine mRNA-1273.

It stated that the company plans to continue developing a vaccine against Omicron, and will begin clinical trials in early 2019.

Moderna (NASDAQ:) Shares rose 6.7%, to $314.51 during early trading.

Moderna’s chief physician, Dr. Paul Burton said that 1273 is all we currently have. It’s very safe and highly effective. This will be a great tool to protect you during this holiday season, and throughout the winter when Omicron’s severe pressure is most intense.

A two-dose course with its vaccine resulted in low neutralizing antibodies to Omicron, while a 50mg booster dose raised neutralizing antibodies 37fold. An additional 100 microgram booster dose was given to the vaccine, which increased antibody levels by more than 80 percent.

Moderna President Stephen Hoge stated on conference call that the company does not currently plan to seek approval for a higher dose.

Hoge stated that the antibody levels produced by the lower dose of shot are “comfortably above” those levels which would indicate a danger of other types of infection.

Data from patients who were given the Omicron vaccine, although it hasn’t been peer-reviewed yet, was tested for blood. This data is very similar to the one discussed by Anthony Fauci, a top U.S. infectious diseases expert.

Hoge said that it may not be necessary for people to have higher antibody levels than the 50-microgram dose. If they wish to provide greater protection, governments could opt for a higher dose version.

What could be higher? Absolutely. However, do we currently have enough data to be able to give a definitive recommendation? Hoge stated that it was not so.

Although the 100-microgram dosage was considered safe, it was well tolerated. There was an increase in adverse reactions.

U.S. regulators approved the Moderna vaccine booster in October at 50 micrograms. Moderna’s first shots are 100 micrograms.

Moderna, as well as the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccinations, have been associated with rare instances of inflammation in the heart. This is especially true for young men. Numerous studies suggest that Moderna’s vaccine may cause more heart inflammation than expected. Pfizer (NYSE:)’s.

Omicron was a highly contagious variant that was initially discovered in south Africa and Hong Kong last month.