The company issued a statement explaining that it is making the shot available to its workers in the United States “to provide an additional layer of Covid-19 protection” because Moderna workers are conducting essential services in developing, manufacturing and delivering the vaccine.
“The program will extend to adult household members of our team to reduce the risk of absenteeism and disruption due to a Covid-19 infection in an adult household member,” Moderna said.
The company is also making vaccines available to board members.
“Participation in the program is confidential and entirely voluntary," the company added.
The company is paying for the program, including the vaccine and the administration.
The vaccine that will be used is separate from the supply committed to the US government, Moderna said.
Some context: The US Food and Drug Administration granted the company an emergency use authorization for its shot just over a week ago, making it the second Covid-19 vaccine to receive authorization in the US.