A committee of independent advisers to the Food and Drug Administration has recommended that COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers update their shots to target the JN.1 variant, which is currently circulating in the US. The recommendation comes after data showed that vaccines based on viruses related to JN.1 strains produce strong protection against the latest versions of the virus.
The current Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA vaccines target the KP.2 strain, while Novavax’s shot targets a JN.1 strain. However, the committee was uncertain about which particular JN.1 subvariant would be the best pick, as it’s unclear which strain may become dominant by fall.
The FDA will now work with the companies to make a final decision on the updated vaccines. This recommendation aligns with the World Health Organization’s advice for the next set of vaccines.
In addition to updating vaccine strains, the FDA has also announced changes to its approval process for COVID-19 vaccines. The new approach would restrict access to the shots for people under 65 and those without underlying health conditions that put them at high risk for serious complications from COVID-19.
The changes aim to restore trust in the vaccines, which have been affected by widespread immunity to the virus due to repeated infections and vaccinations. However, some experts worry that these updates may make it harder for certain individuals to access the vaccine, including parents who want to vaccinate their young children or reduce their risk of mild or moderate illness.
The FDA estimates that 100 million to 200 million Americans would be eligible for COVID vaccines under the new approach. The updated recommendation highlights the evolving nature of the virus and its ongoing impact on public health in the US.
Source: https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/05/22/nx-s1-5403609/covid-booster-change-fda