The United States has approved COVID-19 vaccines with formulations that more closely target currently circulating variants, as infections are once more on the rise.
The new approvals relate to updated vaccines produced by Moderna and Pfizer that correspond to an Omicron sublineage. The Food and Drug Administration concluded that the benefits of receiving the shots outweigh the risks for those aged six months and up.
Both companies released statements saying they expect their vaccines to be widely available in pharmacies and clinics within the coming days.