Céline Géraud, edited by Ugo Pascolo 8:15 p.m., December 07, 2021
While the vaccine booster campaign is in full swing, the government and health authorities are urging the French not to shun any messenger RNA vaccine, and in particular that of Moderna.
Europe 1 explains why the authorities would prefer that the French choose this latter manufacturer to carry out their booster dose.
In the midst of the coronavirus vaccine booster campaign, the preference of the French is very marked by the product from the Pfizer laboratory.
With already more than ten million appointments made for the booster dose, the government promises the opening of new slots, insists that there will be no shortage of doses and invites not to shun any messenger RNA vaccine .
Pfizer therefore, but also Moderna.
For their part, the message from the health authorities is clear: the two vaccines are interchangeable.
Half a dose of Moderna as a booster
"There is no contraindication to vaccinating the over 30s with Moderna for those who had Pfizer with the first two doses", insists at the microphone of Europe 1 Jean-Paul Hamon, the president of honor of the federation of doctors of France.
And the specialist reminded: "For the third dose, you have to take a half-dose of Moderna. It is more dosed than Pfizer and more effective, but generates more significant side effects in young people under 30 years old."
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Better logistics
But the health issues behind the Pfizer-Moderna mixed injection is not the only reason the government is trying to convince the French to choose the second vaccine.
There is also a logistical argument: each vial of Moderna contains 24 doses, compared to six for Pfizer.
The first is therefore preferred in vaccination centers where enough people will parade to avoid waste, while the second is sent to pharmacies, where traffic is less important.
To date, there are 20 million doses of Moderna left to sell, compared to just five million for Pfizer.