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# Panel Backs Plan to Harmonize Covid Vaccine Composition
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/panel-backs-plan-to-harmonize-covid-vaccine-composition/
- Published: 2023-01-26T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T18:13:15.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Biologics, #legacy-id-D5153640

FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee 1/26 unanimously voted (21 to 0) to recommend that Covid-19 vaccine composition be “harmonized” so that one vaccine composition can cover the primary series in newly vaccinated and booster doses in those already vaccinated. For example, if FDA moves forward with this, then the current vaccine composition for all vaccines administered would be the bivalent vaccine (original Wuhan strain plus Omicron BA.4/BA.5 strains). Most panel members agreed that from a public health perspective, simplifying the vaccine composition will help increase vaccinations in the current unvaccinated population, and in those needing booster shots.

Panel members also supported FDA’s plan to simplify the immunization schedule to authorize or approve a two-dose series in certain young children, and in older adults and those with compromised immunity, and only one dose in all other individuals. Some members questioned whether two doses in younger children and in those with compromised immunity will be adequate. They suggested more data will be needed from manufacturers to determine how many doses will be necessary in these populations.

Additionally, CBER director **Peter Marks** said that under the proposed plan for future vaccine composition updates, it is likely an advisory committee will be held in May/June to discuss what’s circulating and what would make sense to put in the composition of a fall vaccine. However, he said, if a strain comes along that “essentially breaks out of the T cell-mediated immunity that's providing protection against severe disease in the general population” then another meeting could be held to adjust vaccine composition accordingly.