White House: 'BA.5' COVID Variant Vaccine to Launch Within Weeks

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The White House announced that an updated vaccine specialized for COVID-19 variants is expected to be released within the next few weeks.

On the 18th (local time), Ashish Jha, White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator, appeared on NBC and said, "The vaccine to be released within a few weeks is specifically designed to respond to the current virus situation." He confirmed that it will be available to all Americans aged 12 and older.

This is a new vaccine tailored to COVID-19 variants such as BA.5, unlike the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines already in circulation. The U.S. government instructed these vaccine manufacturers in June to develop updated vaccines. It will need to go through approval procedures by U.S. health authorities in the future.

Coordinator Jha said, "Just like the flu vaccine that needs to be updated annually, the COVID-19 vaccine also needs to be continuously updated."

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