Moderna Vaccine Shows Promise

Early analysis from phase three trials shows Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is more than 94-percent effective at preventing infection. NBC's Sarah Dallof reports.

(NBC News) — As COVID-19 infections soar past 11 million in the United States, biotech company Moderna is offering encouraging news on the vaccine front.

Early analysis from phase three trials involving more than 30,000 participants shows its vaccine is more than 94-percent effective at preventing infection.

“It means some hope that we are going to beat this thing and we’re going to beat it sooner rather than later,” says Moderna president Dr. Stephen Hoge.

It’s the second potential breakthrough in a week.

Last Monday, Pfizer released preliminary data indicating its candidate is more than 90-percent effective, raising hopes the Food and Drug Administration could soon grant emergency use authorization.

“We project that by the end of December that there will be doses of vaccines available for individuals in the higher risk category from both companies, we hope” says Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Still, health experts are urging Americans to not let up on public health measures, like masking and social distancing.

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