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- SIPHOSETHU NDABEZIMBI

FDA approves new COVID-19 boosters targeting Omicron variants

The Unites States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, designed to target the omicron variants currently circulating in the United States.

The vaccines were approved in August 2024, for individuals aged 12 and older, with emergency use authorisation granted for children aged 6 months to 11 years. Novavax is also expected to receive approval for its updated protein-based vaccine soon.

The new vaccines are similar to previous versions, with the key difference being the targeted viral strain. While last year’s vaccines focused on the XBB.1.5 variant, the new mRNA boosters are formulated to address the omicron KP.2 variant, which accounted for 3.2% of the United States cases between 4 and 17 August. The vaccines also offer protection against related variants, KP.3 and KP.3.1.1, which make up nearly 54% of current cases.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people get the new booster shots in September or October this year. The timing aims to provide maximum protection during autumn and winter, which coincide with holiday gatherings and increased COVID-19 transmission. However, individuals who were recently infected during the summer surge could consider delaying their booster until later in the autumn months.

While the new vaccines may not entirely prevent the COVID-19 infection, they are expected to reduce the severity of the disease, particularly in older adults and those with underlying health conditions. The CDC emphasises that vaccination remains a crucial strategy.

Rollout of the updated vaccines coincides with the end of a temporary program that provided free vaccines to uninsured individuals, prompting healthcare workers to encourage eligible individuals to get vaccinated before the programme ends.