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EMA Recommends Updated Covid Vaccines to Target LP.8.1 Variant as Cases Rise

The LP.8.1 variant, dominant in several regions, is spreading rapidly in Asia, Europe, and Italy, while WHO maintains its low-risk assessment.

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Overview

  • The LP.8.1 variant, part of the Omicron JN.1 lineage, is driving increases in Covid-19 cases across Asia, Europe, and Italy.
  • EMA's Emergency Task Force has advised that upcoming Covid vaccines be updated to target the LP.8.1 variant to better protect high-risk populations.
  • WHO continues to classify the additional global public health risk of LP.8.1 as low, with symptoms reported to be no more severe than other strains.
  • US health authorities have restricted seasonal Covid vaccine approvals to individuals over 65 and those at high risk, reflecting a targeted vaccination strategy.
  • Experts anticipate LP.8.1 or its descendants will remain a dominant strain into the upcoming winter, underscoring the importance of updated vaccines for vulnerable groups.