Immunization with the updated COVID-19 vaccine provided approximately 54% increased protection against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to no receipt of the updated vaccine.
Significantly, the vaccine prevented symptomatic infection with Omicron subvariant JN.1, which was detected in 93% of genomic isolates as of Feb. 3, 2024. “All persons aged ≥ 6 months should receive updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.1 “CDC will continue monitoring COVID-19 vaccine efficacy, including against severe disease and for expected waning.”
As approved by the Food and Drug Administration and the CDC, the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine is a monovalent XBB.1.5-derived formula.
“During fall 2023, XBB lineages co-circulated with JN.1, an Omicron BA.2.86 lineage that emerged in September 2023,” the CDC reported. “These variants have amino acid substitutions that might increase escape from neutralizing antibodies.”
Indeed, JN.1 led a surge of infections and breakthrough reinfections in recent weeks, although the latest data show the increase is trailing off. Trends in emergency room visits (-10.8%), hospitalizations (-10%), and deaths (-6.1%) all were falling as of Feb. 12, 2024.
“Data from the Increasing Community Access to Testing SARS-CoV-2 pharmacy testing program were analyzed to estimate updated COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness,” the CDC reported. “Among 9,222 total eligible tests, overall vaccine effectiveness among adults aged ≥ 18 years was 54% at a median of 52 days after vaccination. Updated COVID-19 vaccines provide protection against symptomatic infection, including against currently circulating lineages.”
REFERENCE
- Link-Gelles R, Ciesla AA, Mak J, et al. Early estimates of updated 2023-2024 (monovalent XBB.1.5) COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection attributable to co-circulating Omicron variants among immunocompetent adults — Increasing Community Access to Testing program, United States, September 2023-January 2024. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73:77-83.
Immunization with the updated COVID-19 vaccine provided approximately 54% increased protection against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to no receipt of the updated vaccine.
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