New COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer show effectiveness against dominant Eris variant
- The Eris variant now accounts for over 17% of COVID-19 cases in the US.
- Moderna and Pfizer have developed updated COVID-19 vaccines targeting the XBB.1.5 omicron subvariant.
- Preliminary data indicates the new vaccines provide protection against both XBB.1.5 and Eris.
- The vaccines are awaiting approval from regulators before being rolled out in the coming weeks.
- Eris is designated a "variant of interest" by WHO but not expected to cause a major surge in infections.