FDA Approves Updated COVID-19 Vaccines for Dominant XFG Variant
Decision Allows Manufacturers to Begin Shipping Doses, but Confusion Remains About Insurance Coverage
TL;DR
- FDA approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna, Novavax-Sanofi, and Pfizer-BioNTech.
- The updated vaccines target the dominant XFG variant.
- The vaccines are approved for individuals aged 65 and older and younger individuals with underlying conditions.
- Age approvals for younger individuals with conditions vary by manufacturer (Moderna: 6 months+, Pfizer-BioNTech: 5+, Novavax-Sanofi: 12+).
- Manufacturers can now begin shipping updated vaccine doses.
- There is uncertainty about future CDC recommendations and insurance coverage due to a stalled advisory panel.
- Current COVID-19 activity levels are low but rising in recent weeks.