Summary
- An updated COVID-19 vaccine has been issued by the FDA with a monovalent component that targets the Omicron variant KP.2 strain.
- Vaccines, which are produced by ModernaTX Inc. and Pfizer Inc. to provide better levels of protection against the severe complications of COVID-19.
- Individuals aged 6 months through 4 years of age who did not receive the vaccines can receive three doses of Pfizer or two doses of Moderna vaccines.
- An updated single dose of the vaccine can be given to individuals aged 5 years and older.
- The FDA regularly assesses COVID-19 vaccine composition unless a new variant emerges.
Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted authorization for an updated form of the mRNA vaccines used for COVID-19 cases as a 2024-2025 formula. The new vaccines has been modified by involving a new component that targets the Omicron variant KP.2 strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This would provide an enhanced protection against the severe complications of COVID-19, such as hospital admission and death. The FDA highlights the importance of vaccination as a viral step in preventing the widespread of COVID-19, particularly with the emergence of new variants.
The new vaccines include Comirnaty and Spikevax for individuals aged 12 years and older, as well as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines for younger individuals (6 months to 11 years old). The general guidelines of FDA present the required doses, with additonal doses may be required for individuals with immunodeficiency. People should be aware about the benefits of these vaccines, and be knowledgeable that these benefits outweigh any potential risks. Individuals should also monitor any future updates about the newly issued vaccines by FDA.
Infectious Diseases, Public Health & Prevention