The next round of COVID-19 vaccines will target one of the latest versions of the coronavirus, the Food and Drug Administration said Friday.
The FDA’s decision came a day after a panel of external advisors to the agency supported the formulation change. The agency asked vaccine manufacturers to offer protection against only one Omicron strain called XBB.1.5.
Today’s footage includes the original coronavirus and an earlier version of Omicron. They still help prevent serious illnesses and deaths even though XBB variants have taken over. But the protection gradually wears off over time and was short-lived against milder infections before the virus inevitably evolved again.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Most US adults refuse to take COVID boosters as CDC warns of health risks: ‘relatively little protection’
The Food and Drug Administration on June 16, 2023, requested manufacturers of COVID-19 vaccines to update their fall vaccinations to target the latest Omicron strain. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, file)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The three US companies that make COVID-19 vaccines said this week they were preparing for a formula change in anticipation of making many millions of doses available in the fall. One company, Pfizer, said it could have at least some doses ready as early as next month.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will ultimately decide whether vaccination is recommended for almost all Americans or only certain high-risk groups.