FDA Experts Unanimously Back JN.1-Targeted COVID Vaccines for 2026-2026 Season | terrahubly

Lifestyle Entertainment Money Food Info Finance Healthy Education Car

FDA Experts Unanimously Back JN.1-Targeted COVID Vaccines for 2026-2026 Season

Healthy

In a decisive move to stay ahead of the evolving pandemic, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel members voted unanimously on Thursday (May 22) to recommend next-generation COVID-19 vaccines specifically designed to combat emerging JN.1 variant strains for the 2026-2026 immunization campaign.

The recommendation comes as new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals the LP.8.1 subvariant - an offshoot of the previously dominant JN.1 strain - now represents a staggering 70% of all US COVID cases during the two-week monitoring period ending May 10.

"The virus continues to outmaneuver us with new mutations," explained one panel member during discussions. Recent FDA surveillance reports confirm that while LP.8.1 dominates current infections, other concerning subvariants like LF.7 and XFG are gaining traction across multiple regions.

This strategic vaccine update mirrors recent guidance from European health authorities, where the European Medicines Agency's expert committee similarly advocated for retooling COVID vaccines against LP.8.1 targets.

The global scientific community appears united in this approach, with World Health Organization specialists endorsing LP.8-targeted vaccines as "a scientifically sound alternative" to existing formulations that may soon lose their effectiveness against circulating strains.

Watch AD

AD

AD

AD

Scientists Discover Bat Virus with Similar Traits to Covid-19, But Risk of Human Spread Remains Low

Singapore's Obesity Crisis: Why It's Rising and How to Fight Back

South Korea Reports First Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak in Cattle Farm After Nearly Two Years

Global Air Quality Crisis: Only 7 Nations Meet WHO Standards as US Monitoring Cuts Loom

Rise of Unqualified Online "Counsellors" Sparks Mental Health Concerns in Singapore

Polio Eradication at Risk as US Funding Cuts Threaten Global Health Efforts

Father-Daughter Duo's Inspiring Health Transformation: How Small Steps Led to Big Changes

Take Charge of Your Health: A Simple Guide to Your First Healthier SG Consultation

Recommended

Breaking the Silence: Singapore Women's Struggle with Undiagnosed Sexual Health Issues

SINGAPORE – When 30-year-old Aisyah (name changed for privacy) found herself unable to consummate her marriage in 2022, she and her husband immediately recognized this wasn't just newlywed jitters.

MaNaDr Strengthens Teleconsultation Protocols After Licence Revocation

Following criticism over excessively brief teleconsultations, telehealth provider MaNaDr has announced stricter measures to enhance service quality and rebuild patient trust.

World Oral Health Day: The Surprising Connection Between Gum Disease and Heart Health

March 20 marks World Oral Health Day - the perfect opportunity to explore how your dental hygiene impacts far more than just your smile. Emerging research reveals startling connections between oral health and overall wellbeing that might surprise you.

Healthy Ramadan & Hari Raya: Expert Tips to Stay Energized and Avoid Overindulgence

Fasting from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan can test one's endurance, making it crucial to maintain energy levels while resisting the temptation of overeating. As the holy month transitions into the joyous celebrations of Hari Raya Puasa (Aidilfitri), balancing festive feasts with mindful eating becomes essential for well-being.

WHO Sounds Alarm: Europe's Shocking Lack of Awareness on Alcohol-Cancer Link

GENEVA — The World Health Organisation (WHO) has uncovered startling new data revealing a dangerous gap in public knowledge across Europe regarding alcohol's direct connection to cancer. In a bold move, the health authority is urging governments to implement mandatory tobacco-style warning labels on alcoholic beverages—particularly in the world’s heaviest-drinking region.

Taiwanese Star Barbie Hsu's Tragic Death at 48: How the Flu Turned Fatal

The entertainment world was left reeling this Monday (Feb 3) with the shocking news of Taiwanese actress-host Barbie Hsu's sudden passing. At just 48 years old, the beloved celebrity and mother of two succumbed to a severe case of pneumonia - an inflammation of lung tissue that reportedly developed from complications following influenza contracted during a recent holiday in Japan.

Maharashtra Faces Guillain-Barre Syndrome Outbreak: One Fatality Reported Amid Rising Cases

MUMBAI — Health officials in Maharashtra are on high alert after a concerning surge in Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) cases, with at least one death reported and multiple patients requiring critical care. The rare neurological disorder, known for causing muscle weakness and paralysis, has sparked urgent investigations across the state.

Singapore Health Screenings: Costs, Options & Where to Get the Best Deals

Every Singaporean understands the life-saving importance of health screenings. Detecting serious conditions early can mean the difference between manageable treatment and devastating consequences. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right screening package without breaking the bank? We've done the research to bring you everything you need to know.

Wildfire Smoke Linked to Higher Death Risk in Lung Cancer Patients, Study Reveals

A groundbreaking California study presented at a major medical conference on May 31 suggests that wildfire smoke could significantly increase mortality risks for lung cancer patients, with non-smokers being particularly vulnerable. However, certain cancer treatments might help counteract these effects.

WHO Nears Historic Pandemic Treaty Deal After Marathon Negotiations

GENEVA - After three years of intense negotiations, member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) are on the verge of finalizing a groundbreaking treaty to strengthen global pandemic preparedness, according to sources close to the talks. The discussions, which continued through Friday night into Saturday morning (April 12), have been temporarily paused until Tuesday as officials work to resolve remaining sticking points.

7 Budget-Friendly Dental Clinics in Singapore for Quality Care Without Breaking the Bank

We all know the golden rule: visit the dentist every six months for a checkup. But let's be honest—finding an affordable dentist in Singapore can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The good news? You don't always need to stick rigidly to that six-month schedule. If you're diligent about oral hygiene, stretching visits to once every 18 months or even two years is possible. Still, regular checkups are crucial to catch issues like cavities early before they turn into costly problems.

Singapore's Hidden Threat: Ticks Lurking in Green Spaces Pose Health Risks

SINGAPORE — Beneath the lush greenery of Singapore's parks and nature trails, an often-overlooked danger silently awaits unsuspecting visitors. Tiny but potentially harmful ticks are thriving in these urban oases, posing health risks to hikers, cyclists and pet owners who frequent these areas.

Healthier SG: A Family's Journey to Better Health Through Preventive Care

In Singapore, where health is truly our greatest wealth, the national Healthier SG initiative is transforming how families approach preventive healthcare. As we mature, the tables turn - we now find ourselves guiding our parents through their health journey, just as they once cared for us in childhood.

US HIV/AIDS Aid Program Faces Uncertainty After Abortion Policy Violation in Mozambique

WASHINGTON — A major US-funded global health initiative is under scrutiny following revelations that healthcare workers in Mozambique violated program guidelines by performing abortions, sparking concerns about the future of the multibillion-dollar effort credited with saving millions of lives worldwide.

Global Health Experts Urge Stronger Action Against Bird Flu After First US Fatality

PARIS — The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) issued an urgent warning on Wednesday (Jan 8), calling for intensified efforts to curb the spread of bird flu among animals following the first reported human death from the virus in the United States. Experts emphasize that proactive measures are crucial to prevent further human infections.

Beyond Baby Blues: The Hidden Struggles of Postpartum Depression and Workplace Challenges

The journey of motherhood is often painted with images of radiant joy and unconditional love. Yet for many women, this transformative chapter comes with unexpected emotional turbulence that goes far deeper than temporary "baby blues."

South Africa's HIV Vaccine Breakthrough Stalled as US Funding Freeze Halts Critical Research

JOHANNESBURG — In a high-tech Johannesburg laboratory, Nozipho Mlotshwa and her team were on the verge of a potential breakthrough in the decades-long quest for an HIV vaccine. Their latest formulation had just triggered promising immune responses in animal trials when an abrupt order from Washington froze all progress.

Fluoride in Singapore: Should You Be Concerned About Its Effects?

A recent US study published in January has reignited debates about fluoride usage, particularly in water, after suggesting a possible link between higher fluoride exposure and lower IQ scores in children. The findings, featured in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics, have drawn criticism from some scientists who question the study's methodology while reaffirming fluoride's well-documented dental benefits.

China Prioritizes Physical Education in Schools to Combat Rising Childhood Obesity

HONG KONG — In a bold move to address growing concerns over childhood obesity, China is elevating physical education (PE) from a secondary subject to a core component of the school curriculum. The initiative aims to foster a more balanced approach to education, integrating fitness with academics for well-rounded student development.

Germany on High Alert After Rare Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak in Water Buffalo

HAMBURG — German officials breathed a cautious sigh of relief this week as extensive testing revealed no additional cases of foot-and-mouth disease following last week's alarming discovery - the country's first outbreak in decades among a herd of water buffalo near Berlin.