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How worrisome is the EG.5 variant? Will the booster coming out this Fall target it?
The EG.5 variant is a “variant of concern” that is being actively monitored by the WHO and CDC. It is among a “handful” of variant viruses which are actively being monitored. We are not sure of it’s significance but because public health authorities desire to be “best prepared” they are studying it’s potential affects on those it infects—i.e., whether it may be associated with a higher risk of hospitalizations or deaths.
The booster doses that are coming out this fall will be composed of the XBB.1.5 variant. However, the vaccine is expected to continue to provide good protection against other Covid variants.
