Archive · 23 May 2025
FDA Panel to Decide on COVID-19 Vaccine Strains for 2025-2026
The FDA is figuring out what to put in next year's COVID-19 vaccines.
They're deciding which versions of the virus to target.
Right now, the LP.8.1 strain is the most common.
But the virus is always changing, so it's hard to know which one will be around next year.
Experts are discussing the best way to make the vaccines work.
Some are critical of the policies, while others support it.
This decision will affect how well the vaccines protect people.
An FDA advisory panel will vote on COVID-19 vaccine composition for 2025-2026.
The LP.8.1 strain is currently dominant in the U.S., a subvariant of JN.1.
Other virus subvariants, including LF.7 and XFG, have also been detected.
Experts debate which strains will be dominant.
New clinical trials are planned for those under 65.
- Who
- FDA advisory panel, vaccine manufacturers, public health experts, and U.S. vaccine regulators.
- What
- FDA advisory panel will vote on vaccine strain recommendations.
- When
- May 22, 2025, for decision; impacting the 2025-2026 immunization campaign.
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To recommend which COVID-19 strains the vaccines should target.
Vaccine Skeptics
Vaccine Strain Uncertainties
Vaccine Strain Selection
Vaccine Skeptics
The FDA panel will decide the target strains for the next vaccine.
Vaccine Strain Uncertainties
Some experts are unsure which strains will be dominant.
Vaccine Policy
Vaccine Skeptics
Vinay Prasad and Marty Makary are critical of U.S. COVID vaccine policies, questioning repeated annual shots for healthy adults.
Vaccine Strain Uncertainties
Some experts support the new clinical trial requirements.
- Main Issue
- FDA to recommend COVID-19 vaccine strains for 2025-2026
- Meeting Date
- May 22, 2025
- Dominant Strain
- LP.8.1 (descendant of JN.1)
- Other Strains
- LF.7, XFG
- New Policy
- Clinical trials for annual boosters for healthy under 65
