EMA’s Emergency Task Force (ETF) has recommended updating COVID-19 vaccines to target the new SARS-CoV-2 variant XFG for the 2026/2027 vaccination campaign.

XFG is part of the JN.1 family of Omicron subvariants. Its circulation has increased worldwide since June 2025, peaking at 74% of infections genetically sequenced globally in October 2025, and it remains prevalent among JN.1 subvariants although not consistently across all regions. Other variants co-circulating in Europe include NB.1.81, a JN.1-related variant, and BA.3.2, which is genetically distinct from the JN.1 family and is increasing in some countries.

Evidence Behind the Recommendation

In making its recommendation, the ETF consulted with the World Health Organization, international partners, and marketing authorisation holders for COVID-19 vaccines. The task force considered data on virus evolution, the effectiveness of vaccines containing JN.1, KP.2, and LP.8.1 strains, and results from animal studies on XFG-, LP.8.1-, and BA.3.2.2-adapted candidate vaccines.

The evidence suggests that targeting XFG would provide the best protection against COVID-19 caused by JN.1 Omicron subvariants and also against BA.3.2. Vaccines targeting the LP.8.1 strain could still be considered for vaccination campaigns in 2026. The recommendation may need to be updated if the epidemiological situation changes substantially, considering the growing circulation of BA.3.2 and its potential for further evolution and immune evasion.

Next Steps for Manufacturers

Marketing authorisation holders should now contact EMA to discuss updates to the marketing authorisations of their vaccines. All marketing authorisation holders are expected to update the composition of their authorised vaccines in accordance with this recommendation. Companies currently developing new COVID-19 vaccines targeting strains other than XFG are also encouraged to contact EMA to discuss strategies for changing the composition of their vaccines.

National Authority Decisions

National authorities in the European Union will ultimately make decisions about vaccination campaigns for 2026 and 2027, taking into account the epidemiological situation in their respective countries.

Source: EMA News