Updated COVID-19 vaccines targeting JN.1-lineage omicron variants of the coronavirus are now available in the U.S. for the fall and winter seasons.

The Biden administration said it expects the new Pfizer and Moderna vaccines targeting the omicron variant XBB.1.5 to be available in mid-September. 

The FDA advisory panel’s recommendation is a win for Covid vaccine makers Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax, which will race to deliver updated shots for the fall.

Vaccine manufacturers Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax will be expected to update their shots according to the strain the FDA selects for the fall.

COVID positivity rates in parts of New York City are now over 30%, as the most transmissible variant of the virus yet rages through the region, sparking international concern. The rolling seven-day positivity rate in Brooklyn’s East Flatbush section is up to 30.43%, according to the latest city data. And other boroughs are nearly as bad – positivity rates top…

XBB.1.5 now represents about 41% of new cases nationwide in the U.S., according to CDC data.

The FDA said bebtelovimab is no longer authorized for use because it is not expected to neutralize the omicron BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 subvariants.

The BQ coronavirus subvariants are likely resistant to key antibody medications used by people with compromised immune systems.

Omicron subvariants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 now make up 44% of new Covid cases, compared with 32% last week, according to CDC data.

Shortly after new omicron Covid boosters were introduced, the ‘Scrabble’ variants emerged. Experts weigh in on how the updated vaccines may fare against them.