FDA Approves Updated COVID-19 Vaccines

Posted on August 26, 2024

The New York Times (8/22) reported, “The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved the latest slate of annual Covid vaccines, clearing the way for Americans 6 months and older to receive updated shots in the midst of a prolonged summer surge of the virus.” Pfizer and Moderna “are expected to begin shipping vaccines to pharmacies and doctors’ offices within days.”

The AP (8/22) reports the updated vaccines “target a subtype called KP.2 that was common earlier this year” and will provide cross-protection for additional offshoots such as the currently spreading KP.3.1.1. Meanwhile, a third vaccine manufacturer, “Novavax, expects its modified vaccine version to be available” later.

The Hill (8/22) reports the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been “approved for people 12 years old and older.” The FDA has also granted emergency use authorization “for three doses of the updated Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine or two doses of the Moderna vaccine to be administered to unvaccinated children aged between six months and 4 years of age.”

AAP News: FDA authorizes updated COVID-19 vaccines