GENEVA: Given the virus evolution, the World Health Organization (WHO) has suggested the vaccine manufacturers and researchers incorporate newer variants of the coronavirus, specifically the XBB.1 descendant lineages, in the formulation of future Covid-19 vaccines.
The Technical Advisory Group for Covid-19 Vaccine Composition of the WHO has released a statement following their meeting, offering guidance on the composition of future formulations of Covid-19 vaccines.
The group's primary task is to assess the performance of the currently available Covid-19 vaccines in light of virus evolution. Their ongoing work and updates aim to strengthen vaccine-induced immune responses against variants.
It is important to note that the existing Covid-19 vaccines continue to offer substantial protection against severe illness and mortality. However, to address the evolving virus and circulating variants, updates to the vaccine composition are being considered to enhance protection against symptomatic disease.
The group recommends incorporating newer variants, specifically the XBB.1 descendant lineages, in the formulation of future Covid-19 vaccines.The WHO strongly advocates for the use of authorised Covid-19 vaccines currently available, which include the index virus, as per the recommendations from the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE).
