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Boosters targeting Omicron subvariants await regulatory approval in Brazil

These vaccines, also known as "updated boosters," contain extra mRNA components to specifically target dominant variants of Covid

vaccines Omicron
The Brazilian government did not clarify whether it has plans to order Pfizer’s new bivalent vaccine, or when. Photo: Mike Sena/Health Ministry

This Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the new bivalent Moderna and Pfizer vaccines for use as a single booster dose. 

Also referred to as “updated boosters,” these vaccines contain two messenger RNA (mRNA) components of the SARS-CoV-2 virus: the original formulation and one targeting BA.5 — now the dominant version of the virus — as well as a sister subvariant of Omicron. 

In the same decision, the FDA revoked the use of the original monovalent vaccines as boosters. However, they continue to be authorized for use among those who have not yet been vaccinated.

“Based on the data supporting each of these authorizations, the bivalent COVID-19 vaccines are expected to provide increased protection against the currently circulating omicron...

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