Sarah Bennett
As new COVID-19 variants emerge, the question of vaccine protection against them becomes increasingly important. The latest variants, known as Nimbus (NB.1.8.1) and Stratus (XFG), have raised concerns about the effectiveness of existing vaccines. While lab tests show a reduction in antibody protection against these new variants, fully vaccinated individuals, especially those with updated boosters, are likely to retain some protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. The ongoing evolution of COVID-19 and its variants emphasizes the need for updated vaccines, with the 2025-2026 versions recently approved by the FDA, specifically targeting emerging strains like LP.8.1 and the Omicron subvariants. However, eligibility restrictions have been introduced, prioritizing high-risk individuals, including those over 65 and people with certain underlying conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are the new COVID vaccines available? | The updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines have been approved by the FDA, but with limitations. |
| Who can get the new vaccines? | The new vaccines are currently restricted to people at high risk of COVID complications, including people over the age of 65 and those with certain underlying conditions. |
| Effectiveness against new variants | The vaccines are designed to target the newest COVID-19 variants, including the XFG (Stratus) and NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus) variants. Lab tests show that vaccinated individuals still have some protection against these variants, especially against severe illness, hospitalisation, and death. |
| Best time to get vaccinated | It is generally recommended to get vaccinated in September or October. However, if you have recently received a COVID vaccine or recovered from a COVID infection, it is advised to wait about three to four months before getting the new vaccine. |
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What You'll Learn
Effectiveness against new variants
The COVID-19 vaccines are updated to provide the best protection against the currently circulating strains. The 2024–2025 vaccines more closely target the JN.1 lineage of the Omicron variant. The updated 2025-2026 vaccines, approved by the FDA, will target the LP.8.1 subvariant of the Omicron JN.1 lineage.
The vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalisation, and death. They also lower the risk of long COVID. Pfizer's vaccine protects against multiple circulating variants, including XFG (Stratus), NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus), and other emerging strains. Novavax induces immunity against the JN.1 lineage strains. Moderna's vaccine generates a stronger immune response than earlier shots, which target the KP.2 and JN.1 variants.
Lab tests using blood samples from vaccinated individuals show that the XFG variant exhibits a roughly two-fold drop in antibody effectiveness compared to the most common COVID-19 variant globally. The NB.1.8.1 variant shows a roughly 1.6-fold reduction. However, fully vaccinated individuals, especially those with updated boosters, are likely to have some protection against severe illness, hospitalisation, and death.
The best time to get the COVID-19 vaccine is generally in September or October. However, if you have recently had a COVID-19 vaccine or infection, it is recommended to wait three to four months before getting another shot to maximise protection from each dose.
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Protection against severe illness
COVID-19 vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalisation and death. Studies from Moderna and Pfizer show that the LP.8.1 vaccines generate a stronger immune response than earlier shots, which target JN.1 and KP.2. Pfizer has also claimed that its vaccine protects against multiple circulating variants, including XFG (Stratus), NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus) and other emerging strains.
The 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccines more closely target the JN.1 lineage of the Omicron variant. The updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines have been approved by the FDA, but with limitations. The updated monovalent vaccines will target LP.8.1, a subvariant of the omicron JN.1 lineage. Novavax is formulated to target the JN.1 variant.
According to lab tests, XFG showed a roughly 2-fold drop in antibody effectiveness compared to the current most common COVID-19 variant globally, while NB.1.8.1 showed a roughly 1.6-fold reduction. However, people who are fully vaccinated – especially those with updated boosters – are still likely to have some protection, especially against severe illness, hospitalisation and death.
The best time to get the COVID-19 vaccine is generally in September or October. However, if you’ve had a COVID vaccine recently or a COVID infection, it is recommended to wait about three or four months before getting another shot.
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Hospitalisation and death rates
COVID-19 vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalisation, and death. Studies from Moderna and Pfizer show that the LP.8.1 vaccines generate a stronger immune response than earlier shots, which target JN.1 and KP.2. Pfizer has claimed that its vaccine protects against multiple circulating variants, including XFG (Stratus) and NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus), as well as other emerging strains. Similarly, Novavax has confirmed that its vaccine induces immunity against the JN.1 lineage strain.
The COVID-19 vaccine lessens the severity of COVID-19 by teaching the immune system to recognize and fight the virus. The 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine is updated to better protect against variants that are currently spreading. For fall/winter 2024-25, the updated COVID-19 vaccines target newer variants of the virus. The vaccines created by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna target the KP.2 strain, while the vaccine made by Novavax targets the JN.1 variant.
Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalisation and death. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older receive updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall. The FDA has approved this year's COVID-19 vaccine for two groups: individuals aged 6 months to 64 years with at least one underlying condition that increases their risk of complications from coronavirus infection. Moderna's vaccine is approved for people aged 6 months to 64 with high-risk conditions, while Pfizer's is approved for those aged 5 to 64.
The COVID-19 vaccine also lowers the risk of long COVID, a debilitating and costly condition. It is recommended that individuals consult their doctors to determine their eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine and whether they need more than one dose.
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Vaccination for high-risk groups
High-risk groups include people with underlying chronic conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, who are more susceptible to severe illness or death from COVID-19. In places like Hawaii, there is strong evidence that certain ethnic groups, such as Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders, are at higher risk of developing chronic conditions at younger ages, which puts them in the high-risk category for COVID-19.
To protect these vulnerable populations, health authorities have recommended vaccinating high-risk groups as a priority. This strategy aims to provide a strong defense against severe disease and reduce the likelihood of hospitalization and death among these individuals.
Additionally, it's important to address barriers to vaccination within high-risk groups. For example, some communities may have a deep distrust of government-supported medical actions due to historical traumas. Building trust and increasing health literacy, especially among groups with language barriers, are essential steps to improve vaccination rates among high-risk populations.
While the current vaccines are expected to provide some protection against new variants, ongoing vigilance is necessary. Health officials continue to monitor the virus's mutations and their impact on vaccine effectiveness. In the future, updated vaccines or booster shots may be required to address specific variants, but for now, the focus remains on vaccinating as many people as possible, especially those in high-risk groups.
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Updated vaccines for 2025-2026
Updated COVID-19 vaccines for the 2025-2026 season from Pfizer and Moderna are already available in pharmacies and doctors' offices across the United States, with an updated vaccine from Novavax expected in early fall. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this year's COVID-19 vaccine for two groups: individuals aged 6 months to 64 years with at least one underlying condition that increases their risk of coronavirus complications, and those aged 65 and above.
The updated monovalent vaccines will target LP.8.1, a subvariant of the Omicron JN.1 lineage. Novavax is formulated to target the JN.1 variant. Studies from Moderna and Pfizer show that the LP.8.1 vaccines generate a stronger immune response than earlier shots, which target JN.1 and KP.2. Pfizer's vaccine also protects against multiple circulating variants, including XFG (Stratus), NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus), and other emerging strains. The updated COVID vaccines should provide protection for up to four to six months, according to Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association.
It is important to note that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which advises the federal government on vaccine usage, is scheduled to meet in September 2025 to discuss COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for the 2025-2026 season. Their recommendations shape the national immunization schedule and insurance coverage. The CDC has also dropped its guidelines calling for routine vaccination of all healthy children and pregnant women, causing confusion and concern among doctors and public health experts.
While the updated vaccines are a critical tool in protecting against severe illness, hospitalisation, and death, it is still important to be vigilant as new variants emerge and evolve. The Nimbus and Stratus variants, for example, have shown a reduction in antibody effectiveness compared to the most common global variant, highlighting the ongoing need for updated vaccines and public health measures.
To ensure maximum protection, individuals should stay up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations and get their shots when eligible. It is also beneficial to consult a healthcare provider for personalised advice, especially for parents of children considering vaccination.
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Frequently asked questions
The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines were updated to give better protection against the currently circulating strains. The 2025-2026 vaccines have been approved by the FDA and are expected to fight the newest COVID-19 variants.
The FDA has approved the 2025-2026 vaccines for individuals over the age of 65 and those with certain underlying conditions.
Studies from Moderna and Pfizer show that the new vaccines generate a stronger immune response than earlier shots. Pfizer's vaccine protects against multiple circulating variants, including XFG (Stratus) and NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus).
The best time to get the COVID-19 vaccine is generally in September or October. However, if you have had a recent COVID-19 vaccine or infection, it is recommended to wait three to four months before getting another shot.
The new vaccines are available in pharmacies and doctors' offices throughout the country.
