Early data suggests existing antibodies protect against new COVID variant BA.2.86, even as FDA prepares to authorize updated vaccines

Early data shows existing antibodies can protect against new BA.2.86 variant, per CDC
FDA expected to authorize updated Omicron-targeting vaccines in coming days
CDC says BA.2.86 not driving current COVID increases, other variants are
BA.2.86 identified in 9 US states and other countries like Japan, UK, Canada
In August CDC said BA.2.86 may be better at evading prior immunity

reuters.com

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

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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 was effective against highly mutated BA.2.86 variant in trial

Moderna's updated Covid vaccine has shown a strong immune response against the highly mutated omicron variant BA.2.86, suggesting that the vaccine will still be effective against newer variants of the virus.

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."

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Posted 9/8/2023, 6:48:00 PM