The FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee has recommended updating this fall’s COVID-19 vaccines to target the XFG variant, a rapidly spreading strain also known as “stratus.” This recommendation comes as COVID-19 activity remains at a medium level across most of the U.S., with newer variants evolving to potentially evade immunity from prior infections or vaccinations. The XFG variant, a hybrid of two omicron strains, is responsible for over half of new infections in the U.S. as of May 8, according to CDC data. While the XFG strain does not appear to cause more severe illness than previous variants, it shares symptoms such as sore throat and fever. The final decision on the vaccine update rests with the FDA, which is currently without a permanent commissioner following the resignation of Marty Makary.
Why It Matters
The recommendation to update vaccines reflects ongoing concerns about the evolving nature of COVID-19 variants, particularly XFG, which has shown the ability to evade some immune responses. Historically, vaccine updates have been crucial in managing seasonal outbreaks of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. The CDC reported that hospitalization rates for COVID-19 have been lower this past season, with the highest rates among infants and older adults. The need for updated vaccinations is underscored by the World Health Organization’s recent advice to target variants like LP.8.1 and XFG, illustrating a global consensus on adapting vaccine strategies to combat emerging strains effectively.
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