FDA authorizes Novavax’s updated COVID vaccine targeting JN.1 strain

(Reuters) -The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday granted emergency use authorization for an updated version of Novavax’s COVID shot.

The updated vaccine is authorized for use in individuals 12 years of age and older and will target the JN.1 strain of the virus.

“Today’s authorization provides an additional COVID-19 vaccine option,” said Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

Earlier this month, the health regulator approved updated COVID-19 vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna that target the KP.2 variant that was circulating earlier this year.

(Reporting by Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)