FDA advisers recommended that the new COVID-19 boosters for fall target the Omicron variant, which spread widely last winter, rather than trying to predict which subvariant will dominate in the coming months. Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax have tested updated vaccines targeting the variant, which could be available in the fall if approved. Americans are advised to get a yearly COVID booster updated to match circulating strains, similar to the annual flu shot. Only around 22.5% of adults and 14% of children received the previous fall's booster targeting a different variant family. COVID remains deadlier than the flu based on a recent VA hospitalization analysis, despite lower current public concern.