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Stratus Variant Drives California COVID Wave as FDA Limits New Vaccine to High-Risk Patients

FDA cleared updated shots only for higher-risk groups, deepening confusion over who can get vaccinated.

Overview

  • Stanford’s WastewaterSCAN reports XFG now comprises about 82% of variants at sampled Bay Area sites, with virus levels high as schools reopen.
  • California’s test positivity has climbed to 11.6% from 3.76% a month earlier, and hospital admissions have risen to 3 per 100,000 statewide and 11 per 100,000 among seniors.
  • HHS announced FDA approval of updated vaccines from Moderna (ages 6 months and up), Pfizer (5 and up) and Novavax (12 and up) only for higher-risk patients, with unrestricted access for adults 65 and older.
  • A CDC advisory panel is expected to meet in the coming weeks on recommendations as the AAP and ACOG continue to advise vaccination for children and during pregnancy.
  • WHO classifies Stratus as a variant under monitoring with no evidence of greater severity, and CDC data show about 130 COVID deaths per week nationwide.