Moderna is developing a booster shot against Covid that targets the Omicron-type of the virus. This comes as the world gets ready to issue annual vaccines.

“We’re currently talking with health professionals around the globe to discuss the best strategies for the possible booster for 2022. It will contain omicron, said CEO Stephane Bancel to CNBC’s Squawk Box.

Bancel stated that the Omicron Specific Booster will soon be available for clinical testing. Moderna is currently examining whether it should contain other ingredients to combat the virus.

Bancel stated, “We must be cautious to try and stay ahead of viruses and not behind them.”

Moderna recently ordered the shots needed for this fall from South Korea, Switzerland and has now signed an advanced purchase agreement with them. The upfront payment was $18.5 billion. Bancel stated that Moderna could supply booster doses to 2 billion-3 billion people this year.

There are ongoing discussions on a daily base. Bancel indicated that they want to have the best possible product for the Fall of 22.

According to the U.K. Health Security Agency, boosters have been shown to be effective in protecting against symptoms of omicron infection.

According to the study, the original Pfizer and Moderna two-dose vaccines are only 10% effective in preventing symptoms 20 weeks following the first dose. The original doses provide protection from severe illnesses, however.

Omicron has caused a massive epidemic of infections around the world. It is capable of causing a multitude of mutations, which allow it to bypass the immunity protection that was provided by its original shots. The World Health Organization stated that the spread of omicron virus is faster than ever before.

WHO sets a target to vaccine 70% of the world’s population in 2015, and has already reached that goal. Global health organization has criticized wealthy countries for launching broad booster campaigns. It has urged world leaders to concentrate on making sure that as many people around the globe, especially in low-income countries, get the first shots.

Bancel stated that vaccine supplies were limited through 2021. However, this is no longer true. Now, distribution is the biggest challenge. Bancel stated that Moderna has between 50 and 100 million doses ready to ship to low-income nations on any given November day.

Bancel explained that “there have been some issues with the distribution and deployment” of these vaccines.

Moderna’s CEO stated that the African Union had decided to reject 60 million of the doses it reserved for Africa for its second quarter.

It is due to the Covax order, donations from Europe and China as well the U.S. government’s donations. Bancel explained that these people have more vaccine than they require to achieve the 70% vaccination rate in their countries.

Covax is an initiative by WHO and Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations that aims to increase the production and development of Covid vaccinations and ensure equal access for everyone.