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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) voted to recommend a JN.1-lineage (monovalent) vaccine composition for the 2024-2025 formula of COVID-19 vaccines on June 5. The JN.1 strain was dominant last winter but new subvariants of JN.1 (KP.2 and KP.3) have been on the rise since March 2024. Pfizer and Moderna presented data on JN.1 and KP.2 mRNA vaccines. Novavax presented data on a JN.1 recombinant protein vaccine.
The FDA advised vaccine manufacturers of the monovalent JN.1 vaccine composition decision on June 6.
On June 13, after further monitoring of circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains, the FDA changed their strain recommendation and advised vaccine manufacturers to provide COVID-19 vaccines that target the KP.2 variant instead of the JN.1 lineage, if feasible. Both Moderna and Pfizer have developed KP.2 mRNA vaccines that could be available in August.
According to Novavax, it takes approximately 6 months to develop a recombinant protein vaccine and they would not be able to have a KP.2 vaccine available in time for fall. The JN.1 vaccine data presented by Novavax showed effectiveness against multiple variants including KP.2 and KP.3 and their vaccine could be available in mid-July.
Mpox cases continue to occur globally and in Minnesota, with 10 cases in Minnesota this year. Free vaccine clinics are planned at Pride and other events this summer. The mplspox.com: Minneapolis Mpox Taskforce: providing resources for prevention and treatment of MPX in the Twin Cities is an excellent resource for patients. It provides information on mpox prevention and treatment in the Twin Cities as well as clinic locations and availability throughout the state.
If your patient population includes people who are recommended for the vaccine, consider offering Jynneos vaccine in your practice. Jynneos is now available on the commercial market for privately insured people. Visit Mpox Vaccine in Minnesota for more information and look for future updates on vaccine availability for eligible patients through the MnVFC and the UUAV programs.
Minnesota Department of Health will be sending out reminder letters in late June and early July to families of 13- to 16-year-olds, who are overdue or recommended for a dose of HPV, Tdap, or MenACWY. These reminders may increase calls for immunization visits. We encourage providers to notify clinic staff of the letters and make sure they have enough vaccine on hand. If you have any questions, contact the MIIC Help Desk at health.miichelp@state.mn.us.
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