By Joseph Chalfant
As the U.S. races to become fully vaccinated, Moderna announced it would open new production lines to make COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots.
The company is adding two production lines to a current vaccination manufacturing plant outside of Boston, Massachusetts. It hopes to have the first line operational by this fall, with the other coming online early in 2022. The expansion should increase production by up to 50%, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Moderna plans to provide 500 million additional doses for the U.S. by the end of the year. The company attempted to open up to the international market but failed to account for the necessary staff to maintain proper infrastructure. With an increase in vaccine manufacturing, Moderna hopes to begin sending vaccines abroad once again.
Supply-chain struggles may prevent a rapid increase in vaccine output, however. The company said that there is a dwindling supply of necessary raw materials that are key to production. Shortages include filters, plastic bags, and tubes.
The company first became profitable after releasing its COVID-19 vaccine and looks to remain so for the foreseeable future as developing nations begin vaccine acquisitions. Moderna is projected to bring in $17.1 billion in vaccine sales by the end of the year, with a subsequent $16.8 billion and $7.4 billion in 2022 and 2023, respectively, according to the Wall Street Journal.
As well as the standard vaccine, the new line will also allow Moderna to produce a booster shot.
As developed countries approached a fully vaccinated population, scientists are beginning to question how long administered vaccines will provide the inoculated with immunity from the virus and its ability to protect against different variants. According to the New York Times, many believe that the vaccination could only provide defense for up to a year, requiring a booster to maintain viability.
Expansion of Moderna’s booster efforts could ensure that the U.S. doesn’t fall into a herd immunity lapse and may stave off another round of lockdowns in various states.
