Immunization Roundup: Updated COVID-19 Vaccines, Mpox Approval, and More

COVID-19: FDA Approves, Grants EUA to Moderna, Pfizer 2024-2025 Vaccine Formulations

The FDA approved and granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Moderna and Pfizer to include a monovalent component corresponding to the KP.2 variant of the Omicron strain of SARS-CoV-2. These vaccines, the FDA noted in a news release, now “more closely target currently circulating variants and provide better protection against serious consequences of COVID-19.”

Q&A: How Health Care Providers Can Help Increase COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake

Drug Topics recently talked with Chijioke Bennett, MD, MPH, MBA, executive director of clinical development at Novavax, about how health care providers can increase awareness around the importance of COVID-19 vaccines, how they can help patients overcome vaccine hesitancy, and how to help patients decide which vaccine is right for them.

FDA Approves Expanded Use of ACAM2000 Vaccine for Mpox Amid Public Health Emergency

The FDA approved a supplemental biologics license application for the expansion of the indication for ACAM2000 to include prevention of mpox disease in individuals at high risk for infection. The approval is supported by existing human safety data and animal studies demonstrating the vaccine’s effectiveness against mpox virus exposure.

High-Dose, Adjuvanted Flu Vaccines Prove More Effective for Older Adults

High-dose (HD) and adjuvanted influenza vaccines were more effective in preventing flu symptoms and hospitalization in individuals aged 65 years and older during the 2022 and 2023 flu season compared to the standard flu vaccine, according to new research published in Clinical Infectious Diseases.

Disparities Hinder HPV Vaccine Goals in USAPI Jurisdictions

Although coverage with human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is on track to meet 2030 goals in 2 jurisdictions in the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region, disparities have contributed to lagging coverage in others, according to a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Despite Success of Vaccines for Children Program, Disparities Persist

Although the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program has made significant progress in improving the health of children through vaccination, continued initiatives are needed to address gaps in coverage between eligible children and their non-eligible peers, according to a report by the CDC.

Dengue Vaccine TAK-003 Confirmed to be Safe, Effective

A new meta-analysis published in the journal Vaccines confirmed that the dengue vaccine TAK-003 is highly effective, reducing disease cases by more than 50%, with lasting effects and an excellent safety profile. TAK-003 is the first and only dengue vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency. Authorized in December 2022, it is now available in Italy and other European countries.

The 2024-2025 Flu Season: What to Expect

According to the CDC, more than 44,900 people died from influenza complications during the 2023-2024 flu season. As it does every year, the CDC recommends everyone 6 months or older receive the updated flu vaccine, with rare exceptions.1 But this year, the influenza vaccine is different than it was last season: COVID-19 has become a major player alongside influenza, and patients may be asking about a new virus strain. Read on for the latest information.

Pancreatic Cancer Dendritic Cell Vaccine Receives FDA Fast Track Designation

A dendritic cell vaccine for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma has received fast track designation from the FDA. The vaccine technology also previously received both fast track and orphan drug designations for glioblastoma multiforme.

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