The FDA tells Covid-19 vaccine makers to update shot to target the variant currently in circulation
Which variants of the JN.1 lineage are currently the most prevalent, according to the CDC?
According to the CDC, the JN.1 lineage of the coronavirus, along with its descendants KP.2 and KP.3, are currently the most prevalent strains causing illness.
What evidence did the FDA present to its advisory committee about the effectiveness of current Covid-19 vaccines against the circulating variants?
The FDA presented data to its advisory committee showing that the currently available Covid-19 vaccines appear to be less effective against the variants that are now in circulation. The agency also highlighted that when manufacturers updated their vaccines last year to better match the variants that were in circulation then, the reformulated vaccines seemed to offer better protection. However, the specific evidence or studies used to support this conclusion were not provided in the available information.
What impact did Covid-19 have on hospitalizations and deaths in the US during the last fall and winter months?
During the last fall and winter months, Covid-19 had a significant impact on hospitalizations and deaths in the US. More than half a million people were sent to the hospital due to Covid-19, and 40,000 people died from the virus. The individuals most likely to experience severe illness or death were those who were unvaccinated. Among the children who were hospitalized, half had no underlying conditions. These numbers highlight the severity of the virus and the importance of vaccination in mitigating its effects.