FDA Approves Updated Covid Vaccines

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated covid vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, specifically targeting the KP.2 strain. This news comes amid a summer surge in covid cases, making these new shots critical for protecting against currently circulating variants.

Targeting the KP.2 Strain

The new covid vaccines are designed to combat the KP.2 strain, a descendant of the highly contagious omicron subvariant JN.1. While KP.2 was the dominant strain in May, it now accounts for roughly 3% of U.S. cases. However, Pfizer and Moderna have emphasized that their KP.2 vaccines offer stronger immune responses against other JN.1 subvariants like KP.3 and LB.1.

CDC Recommendations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that everyone over 6 months old receive an updated covid vaccine and a flu shot this year. The new vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are specifically approved for individuals aged 12 and older, while those aged 6 months to 11 years old are eligible for the shots under emergency use authorization.

• The CDC suggests that everyone over 6 months old get an updated covid vaccine and flu shot this year.
• Pfizer and Moderna's new covid vaccines are specifically approved for people ages 12 and older.
• Children aged 6 months to 11 years old are eligible for the shots under emergency use authorization.

Availability and Distribution

Pfizer has begun shipping its new covid vaccine and expects it to be available in pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics across the U.S. within the coming days. Moderna also anticipates its vaccine to be available in a similar time frame.

Importance of Vaccination

Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel stressed that staying up to date with covid vaccinations remains a crucial measure for protection against severe illness. The FDA's timely review of the new vaccines underscores the importance of regular booster shots, especially as covid-19 continues to evolve.

Summer Surge in Covid Cases

The FDA's approval of the updated covid vaccines arrives just weeks ahead of last year's round of shots, reflecting the rapid pace of the virus's evolution. The U.S. is currently experiencing a summer surge in covid cases, with wastewater monitoring showing high or very high levels in most states. However, other metrics like covid test positivity rates and hospitalizations, while on the rise, remain below pandemic peaks.

Annual Covid Vaccine Updates

Federal health officials have consistently advised Americans to anticipate annual updates to covid vaccines as the virus generates new strains that can bypass existing immunity. This approach mirrors the annual rollout of flu vaccines, highlighting the ongoing need for booster shots to maintain adequate protection.

Novavax's Development

Novavax, a biotech company, had filed for authorization of a new JN.1 covid vaccine in June. However, the FDA's shift towards targeting KP.2 instead potentially put Novavax at a disadvantage. Novavax has stated that its vaccine provides protection against descendants of JN.1, including KP.2.3, KP.3, KP.3.1.1, and LB.1.

mRNA vs. Protein-Based Vaccines

Pfizer and Moderna's covid vaccines utilize mRNA technology, which instructs cells to produce proteins that trigger an immune response. This technology allows for faster development and updates compared to protein-based vaccines, such as those manufactured by Novavax. Protein-based technology, a more traditional approach, requires a longer time frame for modifying vaccines to target new strains.