International regulators, in collaboration with the WHO, have released a report detailing the outcomes of a workshop focused on COVID-19 vaccine strain updates. The report emphasizes that currently authorized vaccines remain effective in preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19, but their protection diminishes over time and with the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants. Therefore, updating vaccine compositions regularly is crucial.
The meeting report outlines key regulatory considerations for updated COVID-19 vaccine compositions and discusses data requirements to support the approval of strain changes. Participants also examined virus evolution and circulation in various regions worldwide.
Conclusions from the workshop include plans to establish a structured process, coordinated by international regulators and the WHO, to optimize the timing of COVID-19 vaccine antigen recommendations. The workshop, attended by representatives from national regulatory authorities, WHO, scientists, and industry, aimed to share perspectives and experiences on updating COVID-19 vaccine compositions and propose a collaborative way forward. Regular meetings with stakeholders, including vaccine manufacturers, are seen as vital for timely regulatory approvals and the integration of updated vaccines into national vaccination programs.1
You can read the report here.
References
- Report from the ICMRA/WHO workshop on: Global perspectives on COVID-19 vaccines strain update | International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA). (n.d.). https://icmra.info/drupal/covid-19/26_27february2024
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