New COVID Vaccine Formula Recommended for Fall to Target JN.1 Variant
The FDA's advisory panel has recommended a new COVID vaccine formula for the fall that targets the JN.1 variant and its lineage.
This decision comes amidst the emergence of new subvariants and the need to stay ahead of the evolving virus.
New COVID Vaccine Formula to Target JN.1 Lineage
While current COVID-19 cases are low, health officials anticipate a potential surge in the fall. To prepare, they're recommending a new COVID vaccine formula targeting the JN.1 variant, which dominated last winter. Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax have all been testing vaccines specific to JN.1.
FDA/CBER is announcing a date change to the May 16 VRBPAC meeting. The committee will now meet on June 5 to discuss & make recommendations on the strain(s) to be included in the 2024-2025 Formula for COVID-19 vaccines. https://t.co/8yonzm0mXR
— FDA Biologics (@FDACBER) May 7, 2024
Source: Twitter/FDA Biologics
However, the emergence of subvariants of JN.1 presented a challenge. Moderna and Pfizer tweaked their formulas to target the currently most common subvariant, KP.2. This led to the FDA's difficult decision regarding the final vaccine composition.
New COVID Vaccine Formula: Targeting the “Trunk” of the Variant Tree
The FDA's vaccine chief, Dr. Peter Marks, emphasized the importance of targeting the right variant. He questioned if focusing on the most prevalent subvariant, KP.2, might be a better strategy. However, the panel ultimately voted for a vaccine targeting the broader JN.1 lineage.
Their reasoning was that JN.1 represents the "trunk" of the variant tree, and a vaccine targeting it would likely provide broader protection against emerging subvariants. Dr. Melinda Wharton of the CDC explained this approach as choosing the "trunk of the tree rather than the branches."
New COVID Vaccine Formula Similar to Annual Flu Shots
This recommendation aligns with the strategy of annual updates for COVID-19 vaccines, similar to flu shots. The virus continues to mutate, and existing immunity wanes over time. Last year's vaccine targeted a different variant, and vaccination rates were low.
Despite lower public concern, COVID-19 remains a serious threat, as evidenced by recent data from Veterans Affairs hospitals. New COVID vaccine formulas are crucial to stay ahead of the virus and protect public health.
Availability and Next Steps
Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax have indicated they can produce JN.1-specific vaccines by fall.
The CDC will provide further recommendations on who should receive these updated vaccines and the timing of their administration.
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