Moderna seeks FDA authorization for updated COVID vaccine to tackle dominant strain

The FDA is recommending updated COVID-19 vaccines for the fall, with a monovalent XBB 1.5 composition to match the circulating variants. Local health departments in Ohio are continuing to offer bivalent boosters and encouraging vaccinations, while reporting a drop in interest in vaccines. Ohio has seen a dramatic decrease in COVID cases, hospitalizations, and deaths compared to the same time frame last year, attributed to immunity gained from vaccinations and/or infections. Vaccinations are still stressed as the most important tool in avoiding catching COVID.