Expansion in Stiko's coronavirus vaccine recommendation includes a new supplier from South Korea, potentially invigorating BioNTech, Moderna, and other vaccine manufacturers?
coronavirus cases are on a downward trend once again, as reported by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). The weekly report for the period August 8-14 shows a 18% decrease in the seven-day incidence compared to the previous week. With a seven-day incidence of 356, corona new infections per 100,000 inhabitants have fallen across all age groups.
Despite this positive development, the Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) has updated its recommendations. Now, all individuals over 60 years of age are advised to receive a fourth vaccination against the coronavirus, and a booster shot is recommended for individuals aged 5 and above with an increased risk for severe COVID-19 courses (such as those with underlying health issues). The healthcare institution has suggested using an mRNA vaccine from BioNTech, Pfizer, or Moderna for booster shots, provided at least six months have passed since the last COVID-19 infection or vaccination.
Moreover, both the WHO and the Stiko emphasize that high-risk groups should not delay their vaccinations, whether waiting for a vaccine adapted to the omicron variant or any other reasons [1]. For the first time, the independent advisory body of WHO has also endorsed administering a second COVID-19 booster shot to the elderly.
Although the EMA is still conducting examinations on adapted preparations, currently only six vaccines against the coronavirus are approved within the EU [2]. A vaccine from South Korea, made by SK Bioscience, uses small parts of the spike protein of the virus. After vaccination, the immune system is expected to recognize these proteins and form antibodies and T cells. However, the extent to which this vaccine protects against the Omicron variant remains unclear [2].
In terms of stocks, BioNTech and Moderna have seen some fluctuations. BioNTech closed at €146.76 on Friday, down approximately 3%. Meanwhile, analyst Zhiqiang Shu from Berenberg maintains a positive outlook for BioNTech, continuing the "Buy" rating while adjusting the price target to $312 USD. Shu believes the company is on track to meet its revenue target for COVID-19 products, but fell short of expected revenue in Q2. Nevertheless, there's optimism for a surge in orders once new booster vaccines receive approval, which is expected in September [4].
Disclaimer: The editor-in-chief, Mr. Frank Pöpsel, has direct and indirect investments in the financial instruments mentioned in the publication or related derivatives, which could benefit from the price development resulting from the publication.
The CEO and majority shareholder of the publisher Boerse-Medien AG (parent company of boerse-online.de), Mr. Bernd Foertsch, has direct and indirect investments in the following financial instruments mentioned in the publication or related derivatives, which could benefit from the potential price development resulting from the publication: BioNTech.
[1] New vaccines recommended for individuals at high risk of severe COVID-19[2] SK Bioscience's COVID-19 vaccine and the challenge of its efficacy against Omicron variant[3] No specific guidance found for Omicron booster recommendations from STIKO - relying on latest epidemiological data and vaccine availability for updates[4] Projections for BioNTech and Moderna stocks based on COVID-19 products approval and demand for new booster vaccines.
Please consult the latest documents from STIKO, WHO, and other health institutions for updated recommendations and guidelines.
- The Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) has updated its recommendations, suggesting a fourth vaccination against the coronavirus for individuals over 60 years of age and a booster shot for those aged 5 and above with increased risk for severe COVID-19 courses.
- Both the WHO and the Stiko recommend that high-risk groups, such as the elderly, should not delay their vaccinations for any reasons, including waiting for a vaccine adapted to the Omicron variant.
- There is currently only limited information available about the efficacy of South Korea's SK Bioscience's COVID-19 vaccine against the Omicron variant.
- Analyst Zhiqiang Shu from Berenberg maintains a positive outlook for BioNTech, believing the company is on track to meet its revenue target for COVID-19 products and there's optimism for a surge in orders once new booster vaccines receive approval, which is expected in September.
