The FDA has recently approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, with distribution expected to begin shortly as the country faces a summer surge in cases. These vaccines are designed to target the KP.2 strain, a descendant of the omicron subvariant JN.1.
While KP.2 was the most prevalent strain in May, it now represents only about 3% of cases in the U.S. Nevertheless, the updated vaccines are believed to offer enhanced protection against other JN.1-related subvariants compared to last year’s vaccines.
The CDC has advised that everyone over six months old should receive both the updated COVID-19 vaccine and a flu shot this year. The newly approved Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are specifically for individuals aged 12 and older, with emergency use authorization extended to children aged 6 months through 11 years.
Both companies are ready to distribute their vaccines nationwide in the coming days, stressing the importance of vaccination to prevent severe illness.
This approval comes earlier than last year’s vaccine rollout, which might provide some comfort as the U.S. experiences a notable rise in COVID-19 cases.
Current data shows increased positivity rates and hospitalizations, though they are still significantly lower than during the peak of the pandemic. It is possible that the summer surge will subside by the time the vaccines become effective, typically two weeks after administration.
Health officials have long anticipated the need for annual COVID-19 vaccine updates, similar to the approach taken with flu vaccines. However, it is uncertain how many Americans will choose to receive the updated shot.
Last fall, only 22.5% of adults received the most recent booster, with many citing a lack of concern about the virus or a busy schedule as reasons for skipping it.
Novavax, which produces protein-based vaccines, is still awaiting FDA approval for its new JN.1-targeted shot. Unlike the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, Novavax’s technology is more challenging to update for new strains.
Despite this, Novavax claims its vaccine provides protection against several JN.1 descendant, including KP.2.3 and LB.1. The FDA is currently reviewing Novavax’s submission, with an authorization decision expected before the peak vaccination period.
