Mexico’s health regulator, COFEPRIS, has approved the marketing of Pfizer’s updated COVID-19 vaccine for the 2025–2026 winter season, following recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The vaccine is designed to prevent infection and complications from the LP.8.1.2 variant, which has become increasingly prevalent since the LP.8.1 variant began spreading more rapidly worldwide in February 2025.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also approved updated COVID-19 vaccines this week, but limited their recommended use.
The FDA advises the shots for people aged over 65 and younger individuals with underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk. These may include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, chronic kidney disease, or neurodegenerative diseases.
This week’s FDA authorizations cover three vaccines: Moderna, for ages 6 months and older; Pfizer, for ages 5 and older; and Novavax, for ages 12 and older.
The updated U.S. recommendations reflect the approach of the second Trump administration, particularly the influence of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has expressed skepticism toward COVID vaccines. Upon taking office in January 2025, Kennedy pledged to overhaul how vaccines are reviewed and recommended in the United States.
Please login or subscribe to view the complete article.