Covid-19 Vaccines and New Viral Variants

This Editorial accompanies an audio interview with NEJM editors Eric J. Rubin, Lindsey R. Baden, and Stephen Morrissey on the ongoing threat of Covid-19, particularly the emergence of new viral variants as of January 2023. The discussion focuses on the performance of available vaccines against evolving SARS-CoV-2 strains, emphasizing the limitations of current vaccine formulations and the importance of flexible strategies. The editors stress the need for continuous scientific review and policy adaptation, while acknowledging that effective public communication is critical to maintaining vaccination uptake amid shifting variant landscapes.

This Editorial accompanies an audio interview with NEJM editors Eric J. Rubin, Lindsey R. Baden, and Stephen Morrissey on the ongoing threat of Covid-19, particularly the emergence of new viral variants as of January 2023. The discussion focuses on the performance of available vaccines against evolving SARS-CoV-2 strains, emphasizing the limitations of current vaccine formulations and the importance of flexible strategies. The editors stress the need for continuous scientific review and policy adaptation, while acknowledging that effective public communication is critical to maintaining vaccination uptake amid shifting variant landscapes.