For subscribers: New COVID variant on the horizon shows virus' rapid evolution, as new booster nears

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects a new booster vaccine to be available next month, but its effectiveness against the highly mutated Pirola variant is uncertain.

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Relevant topic timeline:

8/18/2023

Fall COVID shots will boost protection against latest subvariants, Moderna says

Main topic: Moderna's updated COVID-19 vaccine shows efficacy against omicron subvariants. Key points: 1. Moderna's updated COVID-19 vaccine boosts neutralizing antibodies against omicron subvariants EG.5 and FL.1.5.1. 2. The booster shot is expected to be authorized and rolled out soon. 3. The preliminary trial data aims to reassure concerns about the vaccine's effectiveness against current variants.

8/25/2023

CDC expects new Covid vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax to be available in mid-September

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax to be available to the public in mid-September, providing a more specific timeline for the arrival of the shots, pending approvals from the FDA and CDC.

8/25/2023

CDC says there are no plans to bring back mask mandates, even as Covid cases rise

The United States is still weeks away from distributing Covid booster shots, despite a 21.6% increase in hospitalizations related to the virus, and the effectiveness of the boosters against new virus variants remains uncertain.

8/27/2023

Covid cases are rising, just as new vaccines are almost ready

The U.S. is experiencing a rise in Covid cases just as new vaccines that protect against the latest variants are almost ready.

9/6/2023

Moderna says updated COVID vaccine is effective against newer variant

Moderna's updated COVID-19 vaccine is likely to be effective against the highly-mutated BA.2.86 subvariant of the coronavirus, according to clinical trial data, providing reassurance for fall boosters and regulators.

9/11/2023

FDA Approves Updated COVID Boosters for Fall, Including for Babies 6 Months and Up

The FDA has approved updated COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots, targeting new variants, and making them available for Americans as young as 6 months old from Moderna and Pfizer.

9/13/2023

Updated COVID Boosters With Omicron Target Now Available, But Demand Uncertain

Americans can now receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine to reduce the severity of symptoms, protect against current variants, and curb the risk of "long COVID."