FDA Panel Recommends Updating Covid Shots to Target XFG Strain

FDA advisory panel recommended updating fall and winter Covid-19 vaccines to target XFG (“stratus”), a rapidly growing omicron hybrid with mutations linked to partial antibody evasion. As of May 8, XFG caused over half of U.S. infections; XFG.1.1 about one in four.

Wastewater showed medium activity, and CDC reported lower hospitalizations than prior years, highest in infants under six months and adults 65+.

Manufacturers presented animal and antibody data suggesting XFG-targeted vaccines produced comparable or slightly improved immune responses; most members voted in favor, and the recommendation proceeds to FDA while WHO advised targeting related strains including LP.8.1. Read more from NBC here.