annual COVID-19 vaccination

New COVID Variant Surges in US Amidst Vaccine Access Restrictions

A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is spreading in the U.S., though its presence is underreported on federal dashboards due to low case numbers. While currently less prevalent than LP.8.1, NB.1.8.1 has been detected in several states and is linked to increased hospitalizations in Asia. The World Health Organization classifies the global public health risk as low, but experts note its increased transmissibility compared to previous variants. Despite this, current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against NB.1.8.1.

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Trump Officials Halt COVID Vaccine Approvals for Healthy Individuals

The FDA announced a significant policy shift, ending routine annual COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy younger adults and children. Future COVID-19 vaccine approvals will require extensive studies, prioritizing high-risk individuals (adults 65+ and those with underlying health conditions). This new framework, published in the *New England Journal of Medicine*, marks a departure from the previous “one-size-fits-all” approach and raises concerns about vaccine accessibility and insurability. The decision follows criticism of the U.S.’s aggressive booster recommendations compared to other nations.

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