FDA Approves Updated COVID-19 Vaccines

stock.adobe.com

FDA approved and authorized updated COVID-19 vaccines that research shows will provide better protection against the current strains circulating amongst the population.¹ According to the federal agency, the mRNA vaccines have been updated with a monovalent component that makes them more effective against the Omicron variant KP.2 strain of the virus.

In a press release, director of FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Peter Marks, MD, PhD, said, “Vaccination continues to be the cornerstone of COVID-19 prevention. These updated vaccines meet the agency's rigorous, scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality. Given waning immunity of the population from previous exposure to the virus and from prior vaccination, we strongly encourage those who are eligible to consider receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine to provide better protection against currently circulating variants."

In June of this year, Novavax announced that it had submitted its updated vaccine formula to FDA for approval.² At the time, the company’s president and CEO John C. Jacobs said, “Novavax is committed to having a protein-based COVID-19 option available at the start of the vaccination season, which is critical because research suggests that providing vaccine choice, along with healthcare provider recommendations, may help improve vaccination rates.”

As summer comes to a close, that means that the US is headed into upper respiratory virus season. Along with the current strains of COVID, the population is also at increased risk of catching the flu and other viruses. In preparation for this season, the US Department of Health and Human Services launched a national campaign to educate people not just on the viruses, but also on available vaccines.³

Risk Less, Do More provides information on the flu, COVID, and RSV.

In a press release, HHS secretary Xavier Becerra said, “Vaccines for COVID-19 and RSV have helped to save millions of lives, keep countless people out of the hospital, and provide peace of mind for the country. As fall approaches and people spend more time indoors, I encourage everyone who is eligible to get their vaccines to protect themselves and their loved ones. The Biden-Harris Administration will continue working every day to provide accurate and up-to-date health information for everyone living in the United States, across age, geography, and race/ethnicity. I hope everyone takes this opportunity to stay healthy."

HHS assistant secretary for public affairs Jeffery A. Nesbit added, “Respiratory illness from flu, COVID-19, and RSV viruses usually surge during colder weather and can cause severe disease, hospitalization, and even death. The goal of the Risk Less. Do More. campaign is to increase confidence in vaccines that play an important role in preventing severe illness from these viruses and to provide the information that the American people need to make the decision to get vaccinated this fall and winter."

"Risk Less. Do More. will be a crucial element of a multi-layered response to encourage people to get vaccinated so they can keep doing more of what they love," added May Malik, senior advisor for public education campaigns at HHS. "The campaign is working closely with federal agencies, as well as national and local partners, to amplify and extend the reach of the campaign."

Sources

1. FDA Approves and Authorizes Updated mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines to Better Protect Against Currently Circulating Variants. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. August 22, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fda-approves-and-authorizes-updated-mrna-covid-19-vaccines-to-better-protect-against-currently-circulating-variants-302228899.html
2. Novavax Submits Application to U.S. FDA for Updated Protein-based 2024-2025 Formula COVID-19 Vaccine. Novavax, Inc. June 14, 2024. Accessed August 23, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/novavax-submits-application-to-us-fda-for-updated-protein-based-2024-2025-formula-covid-19-vaccine-302173290.html
3. HHS Launches National Public Education Campaign Ahead of Respiratory Virus Season. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. August 22, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hhs-launches-national-public-education-campaign-ahead-of-respiratory-virus-season-302227983.html