FDA Approves Updated Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccines to Combat Emerging Variants
Introduction:
The FDA has given its approval for updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, signaling a positive step in the ongoing battle against the virus. These new shots aim to protect against the KP.2 strain, a descendant of the highly contagious omicron subvariant JN.1. Although KP.2 currently accounts for only 3% of all U.S. cases, Pfizer and Moderna claim that their vaccines can produce stronger immune responses against other circulating subvariants of JN.1.
Stronger Immune Responses Against Emerging Subvariants:
Pfizer and Moderna have stated that their KP.2 vaccines offer better protection against variants such as KP.3 and LB.1 compared to last year’s shots targeting the omicron strain XBB.1.5. This is crucial given the waning immunity of the population from previous exposure to the virus and prior vaccinations. Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, emphasizes the importance of receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine to provide better protection against currently circulating variants.
Expanded Eligibility and Availability:
In June, the CDC recommended that everyone over six months old receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine and flu jab this year. The Pfizer and Moderna shots are specifically approved for individuals aged 12 and older, with emergency use authorization for children aged six months to 11 years. Pfizer will begin shipping its new shot immediately, and Moderna expects its shot to be available in the coming days.
Timely Approval and Reassurance Amidst a Summer Surge:
The FDA’s approval of the updated vaccines comes ahead of last year’s round, offering reassurance to Americans amidst a summer surge in COVID-19 cases. Wastewater monitoring data from the CDC reveals a “high” or “very high” level of COVID-19 detected in almost every state, indicating widespread transmission. While other measures, such as test positivity rates and hospitalizations, have increased, they remain significantly lower than the peak of the pandemic.
Annual Updates as the Norm:
Federal health officials have long emphasized the need for annual updates to COVID-19 shots due to the emergence of new strains that can evade previous immunity. The rollout of new flu vaccines every year serves as a similar precedent. However, it remains uncertain how many Americans will choose to receive another shot. Data from the CDC suggests that only 22.5% of U.S. adults received the latest round of shots last fall. Reasons for not receiving the booster vary, including a lack of concern about the virus and being too busy to get vaccinated.
Different Vaccine Technologies:
It is worth noting that Pfizer’s and Moderna’s shots utilize messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, which is easier to develop and update compared to protein-based vaccines. The mRNA vaccines teach cells how to make proteins that trigger an immune response against COVID-19. In contrast, Novavax manufactures protein-based vaccines, which cannot be quickly updated to target a different strain of the virus. Novavax’s shot is still awaiting FDA authorization, and the company expects it to be available during the peak vaccination season in the U.S.
Conclusion:
The FDA’s approval of updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna provides hope in the fight against emerging variants. These vaccines demonstrate the potential to elicit stronger immune responses against circulating subvariants of the omicron strain. As the virus continues to evolve, annual updates to COVID-19 shots are expected to become the norm. While the availability of updated vaccines is a positive development, it remains to be seen how many Americans will choose to receive another shot. The use of mRNA technology in Pfizer’s and Moderna’s vaccines showcases the ease of development and updates compared to protein-based vaccines like Novavax’s.
