US Approves Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Amid Rising Cases
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines for the 2026-2027 season from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Novavax, and Sanofi. These vaccines are tailored to the XFG variant, also known as "Stratus," and are expected to be available in pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals across the United States by September. This approval comes as COVID-19 cases see a resurgence in the U.S. towards the end of summer, following reports of increased infections in Thailand.
Pfizer-BioNTech's mRNA vaccine is approved for individuals 65 and older, and for those aged 5 to 64 with underlying medical conditions that increase the risk of severe illness. Moderna received approval for two vaccines: Spikevax for individuals aged six months to 64 with underlying conditions and all those 65 and older, and mNexspike for individuals aged 12 to 64 with underlying conditions and all those 65 and older. Both Moderna vaccines are adapted for the XFG subvariant of the JN.1 variant. Novavax's Nuvaxovid, the only protein-based vaccine available in the U.S., is also approved for individuals 65 and older and those aged 12 to 64 with underlying conditions, and is also adapted for XFG.
The FDA's independent vaccine advisory committee recommended adapting vaccines to the XFG strain in May. Last year, the agency shifted its vaccination policy from a universal recommendation to a model of shared clinical decision-making for individuals six months and older, emphasizing consultation with a healthcare provider. Most U.S. medical organizations recommend vaccination for eligible individuals, and insurance companies anticipate continued coverage.
Professor Tal Brosh, head of infectious diseases at Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital, noted that while the severity of COVID-19 has decreased, the virus remains active globally and continues to cause hospitalizations, particularly among at-risk populations. He highlighted that while Israel sees hundreds to a few thousand hospitalizations annually, primarily among the elderly and those with chronic conditions, vaccination coverage in Israel has become negligible compared to countries like the U.S., UK, and parts of Europe. Brosh attributes this low coverage in Israel to a lack of public and professional awareness, insufficient encouragement from health authorities, and general public reluctance to engage with the topic of COVID-19.
Despite the rising case numbers in the U.S., national COVID-19 activity is still considered low. Wastewater surveillance data presents a mixed picture, with some states reporting moderate to high levels of the virus, while overall national activity is described as very low. However, other monitoring programs indicate a significant upward trend, with virus concentrations increasing substantially in August. The current wave is considered milder than previous summer waves, though the virus continues to evolve, with XFG, LF.7, NB.1.8.1, and BA.3.2 among the circulating strains. Symptoms remain similar to other respiratory viruses, and while most recover independently, at-risk groups face a higher chance of severe illness.
In Thailand, a rise in COVID-19 cases has also been reported, alongside increases in influenza and RSV. The dominant strain in Thailand is NB.1.8.1. Health authorities are advising individuals with symptoms to rest, limit close contact, and avoid crowded events if positive. Prompt medical attention is recommended for severe symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain.
