FDA clears updated Covid vaccines tailored to XFG variant for seniors and at-risk groups
The FDA approved updated Covid-19 vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Novavax-Sanofi to target the dominant XFG variant, with age approvals varying by manufacturer (65+ and younger people with high-risk conditions; Moderna for children >6 months, Pfizer for 5+, Novavax-Sanofi for 12+). Vaccines can begin shipping for the 2026-27 season, but recommendations will depend on individual risk rather than universal rollout, and the lack of a functioning CDC vaccine advisory panel raises questions about future guidance and insurer coverage. Current Covid activity is low but rising in wastewater/testing data.
