Analysis: The next COVID booster shots will likely be updated for Omicron

Analysis: The next COVID booster shots will likely be updated for Omicron COVID-19 vaccines this fall are likely to be based on the Omicron variant of the coronavirus rather than the original strain, although some experts suggest they may only offer significant benefits for older and immunocompromised people. Michael Erman Reuters

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Moderna (MRNA.O), Pfizer (PFE.N) and Novavax (NVAX.O) have been testing vaccines based on the first BA.1 Omicron variant that became dominant last winter, driving a massive surge in infections.

On Wednesday, Moderna said its updated vaccine worked well against more recent Omicron subvariants, and that it was moving forward with plans to ask regulators for approval. read more

Vaccines that can bridge the gap between the original version of coronavirus and the Omicron variant would likely be "far, far better" for the fall, according to Trevor Bedford, a biologist at the University of Washington who has closely tracked mutations of the SARS-coV-2 virus.