In an initial study, Moderna found that its updated Covid vaccine was effective against “Eris” and “Fornax” subvariants.
In the coming weeks, the updated shot is expected to be available for the fall vaccination season, pending approval from health regulators in the United States, Europe, and elsewhere.
Novavax, Pfizer, and BioNTech have developed shots aimed at the XBB.1.5 subvariant of the Covid-19 virus.
It was announced on Thursday that Moderna’s updated Covid vaccine was effective against the “Eris” and “Fornax” subvariants of the virus.
Upon approval by health regulators in the United States, Europe, and elsewhere, the updated shot is expected to be available for the fall vaccination season in the coming weeks.
Covid Vaccine makers Moderna, Novavax, Pfizer, and BioNTech have developed shots targeting XBB.1.5.
It is a subvariant of the still dominant Omicron variant and similar to the XBB.1.5 subvariant.
More than 17% of Covid-19 cases in the U.S. are due to EG.5, and infections with Fornax, also known as FL 1.5.1, are on the rise.
US Covid-19 hospitalizations are up more than 40% from June, but still more than 90% below peak levels seen during the January 2022 Omicron outbreak.
Due to mutations that could make EG.5 more contagious or severe, the World Health Organization classified it as a “variant of interest.”.
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