The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers to commence preparations for potential updates to vaccine formulations in advance of a critical review meeting scheduled for May 2025.
The WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC) continues to conduct rigorous monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 variant evolution, immune responses resulting from infection and vaccination, and vaccine effectiveness against currently circulating variants. Based on these ongoing assessments, the WHO provides authoritative guidance to vaccine manufacturers and regulatory bodies regarding necessary future modifications to the antigenic composition of COVID-19 vaccines.
In preparation for the forthcoming deliberations, the WHO has specified the types of data it requires from vaccine manufacturers, including:
- Genetic and antigenic characterization of emerging variants;
- Data on immune responses to infection and vaccination;
- Vaccine effectiveness against circulating variants.
The submission of such data will ensure that any proposed updates to vaccine formulations are grounded in the most current and robust scientific evidence.
The TAG-CO-VAC meeting is slated for May 2025, subsequent to which the WHO will issue a formal statement on COVID-19 vaccine antigen composition, accompanied by a detailed data annex.
The WHO reiterates that vaccination remains a critical public health intervention against COVID-19 and urges Member States to continue vaccination efforts in alignment with recommendations from the WHO Director-General.
