Moderna’s experimental COVID-19 vaccine that combines its original shot with protection specifically targeted against the Omicron variant appears to work, the company said Wednesday. COVID-19 vaccine makers are studying updated boosters that might be offered in the fall to better protect people against future coronavirus surges. They’re still providing strong protection against severe disease, hospitalization and death even after the appearance of the super-contagious Omicron variant — especially if people have had a booster dose. Key questions: How to make that change without losing the continued strong protection against COVID-19’s worst outcomes? After the huge winter surge fueled by the Omicron variant, its genetically distinct siblings now are the main threats, including one that’s driving the current U.S. wave of infections.

Source: Los Angeles Times June 08, 2022 21:34 UTC