FDA approves updated COVID-19 vaccines targeting XFG variant

The FDA has approved updated 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Novavax-Sanofi. These reformulated vaccines are designed to target the JN.1-descendant XFG variant, which currently accounts for the majority of cases in the United States.

The approved vaccines include Moderna’s Spikevax and mNEXSPIKE, Pfizer’s Comirnaty, and Novavax’s Nuvaxovid. While Moderna and Pfizer utilize mRNA technology, Novavax uses a protein-based approach.

The FDA has narrowed the approved population for these updates. The vaccines are approved for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as for younger individuals (ranging from 5 to 64 years depending on the specific product) who have underlying conditions that increase their risk for severe COVID-19 infection.