Pfizer's COVID vaccine (Comirnaty) is fully approved for patients ages 12 and up, and authorized for kids ages 6 months through 11 years. Novavax's COVID shot (Nuvaxovid) is fully approved for people ages 65 and up, as well as those ages 12 to 64 with at least one health condition that puts them at risk for severe disease.

The company expects to make the updated Spikevax available to U.S. patients in time for the 2025-26 respiratory virus season.

FDA head Marty Makary said the agency may fast-track drugs from companies that “equalize” the cost of medicines between the U.S. and other countries