Use of Updated COVID-19 Vaccines 2023-2024 Formula for Persons Aged ≥6 Months: Recommendations of the Advisory...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• COVID-19 vaccines have been crucial in preventing severe outcomes like hospitalization and death.
• Evolving SARS-CoV-2 strains and waning immunity necessitated updates to vaccine formulations and policies.
• Previous bivalent mRNA vaccines (since Sept 2022) targeted no longer dominant variants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To inform about the approval and recommendation of updated (2023-2024 Formula) COVID-19 vaccines.
• To highlight the inclusion of a monovalent XBB.1.5 component in the new vaccines.
• To emphasize the goal of broadening immunity against currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Main Methods:

• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech) on Sept 11, 2023.
• The FDA authorized the updated Novavax COVID-19 vaccine on Oct 3, 2023.
• The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended these updated vaccines on Sept 12, 2023.

Main Results:

• Updated mRNA vaccines are approved for ages ≥12 years and authorized under EUA for ages 6 months-11 years.
• The Novavax vaccine is authorized under EUA for ages ≥12 years.
• The updated vaccines contain a monovalent XBB.1.5 component.

Conclusions:

• The updated COVID-19 vaccines are intended to provide protection against severe illness and death from circulating XBB-sublineage variants.
• Vaccination with updated COVID-19 vaccines is recommended for all individuals aged six months and older.
• Recommendations are subject to review based on new evidence and vaccine approvals.