The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax to manufacture monovalent (single strain) vaccines targeting the omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant by fall 2023.
The XBB.1.5 subvariant is one of the most resistant strains to immunizations. In early June, the XBB.1.5 subvariant accounted for almost 40% of all COVID-19 cases in the U.S.
About 17% of the U.S. population has received the latest Pfizer and Moderna boosters since their approval in September.
Pfizer announced their shot targeting XBB.1.5 will be available in July, while Moderna and Novavax did not provide a timeline for release. The new boosters will coincide with the vaccine’s move to the private market.
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