Britain adopts dual COVID vaccine that tackles Omicron as well

Britain became the first country in the world to approve a dual Covid-19 vaccine, which tackles both the original virus and the newer Omicron variant.

The updated Moderna vaccine — known as a bivalent because it targets two variants — is expected to be available to adults as a booster jab from the fall after receiving the go-ahead from the U.K.’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency on Monday.

British government’s independent scientific advisory body, the Commission on Human Medicines has also endorsed the vaccine, adding that the approval marks a step forward for vaccine development, particularly for viruses with high levels of mutation.

"What this bivalent vaccine gives us is a sharpened tool in our armory to help protect us against this disease as the virus continues to evolve," said June Raine, chief executive of the MHRA, in a statement.