The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new guidance on COVID-19 vaccine antigen composition, emphasizing continued vaccination as the virus evolves. The updated advice supports the ongoing use of monovalent JN.1 or KP.2 vaccine antigens, with monovalent LP.8.1 also deemed a suitable alternative.
Key insights from the WHO Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC) include:
- JN.1-derived lineages remain the most widely circulating variants globally.
- Vaccines based on JN.1 or KP.2 trigger strong antibody responses against JN.1 and related variants, including KP.3.1.1, XEC, LF.7.2.1, and LP.8.1.
- LP.8.1 elicits slightly broader cross-neutralizing antibodies and may offer similar or improved protection compared to JN.1 and KP.2.
While neutralizing antibody data are promising, WHO stresses the need for additional data on vaccine effectiveness, especially across varied populations and vaccine platforms. They also highlight concerns over declining surveillance data globally.
TAG-CO-VAC Recommendations:
- Continue offering COVID-19 vaccination using currently approved formulations.
- Do not delay vaccination while awaiting updated versions.
- Encourage broader data collection on immune responses, emerging variant impacts, and vaccine efficacy in different populations.
The advisory group commits to ongoing monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 evolution and will reconvene every six months to assess the need for antigen updates.
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