FDA Approves Moderna, Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccines Targeting Omicron KP.2 for 2024-2025 Season

Aug 22, 2024, 06:54 PM

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech. These vaccines are designed to target the Omicron KP.2 variant and are intended for the 2024-2025 respiratory viral season. The approval includes emergency use authorization for individuals aged 6 months and older. Moderna's vaccine is expected to be available in the coming days, while Pfizer has announced immediate shipping. The updated vaccines aim to provide better protection against currently circulating variants, with an expected reduction in infection risk by 60-70% and severe disease by 80-90%. Authorization for the Novavax booster is still pending.