2026-27 COVID vaccine strain selection; LP.8.1 stuck without ACIP; Canadian NACI risk-based guidance; new VE and cardiovascular benefit data; JAMA study published; JN.1/KP.2 antibody similarity; same-day coadministration safety confirmed
Key Questions
Which strain was selected for the 2026-27 COVID vaccine?
The FDA VRBPAC met on June 26 and considered XFG ('Stratus') as the leading candidate due to its immune escape and dominance, despite WHO recommending LP.8.1. LP.8.1 vaccines were approved for high-risk groups but lack ACIP recommendations.
What vaccine effectiveness data was reported for recent COVID vaccines?
Studies show 55% VE in older adults for the 2025-26 season, with a 37.7% lower MACE risk in veterans and 41% reduction in critical illness. A JAMA-published study confirmed protection against ED/UC visits.
Is it safe to get COVID and flu vaccines on the same day?
A large VA cohort study confirmed that same-day coadministration of COVID-19 and flu shots is safe, with no increased adverse events. This supports fall vaccination planning.
FDA VRBPAC met on June 26 to pick 2026-27 COVID strain; XFG ('Stratus') was leading candidate due to immune escape and current dominance, despite WHO recommending LP.8.1; genomic surveillance erosion noted; shift to annualized COVID vaccine model; manufacturer readiness confirmed. FDA approved Xocova for COVID-19 post-exposure prophylaxis. LP.8.1 vaccine approved for 65+ and high-risk but stuck without ACIP recommendation. Canadian NACI narrows to risk-based targeting. 55% VE in older adults for 2025-26 season. COVID vaccination linked to 37.7% lower MACE risk in veterans. JAMA study shows 41% reduction in critical illness. US study shows 55% reduction in hospitalization odds. A COVID VE study pulled by CDC was finally published in JAMA, confirming protection against ED/UC visits for the 2025-26 season. A study comparing JN.1 and KP.2 vaccines shows similar antibody responses, supporting a stable lineage strategy. New safety data from a large VA cohort confirms same-day coadministration of COVID-19 and flu shots is safe, with no increased adverse events—reassuring for fall planning.