WHO Recommends LP.8.1 as Next COVID Vaccine Antigen Composition

WHO's Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC) recommended LP.8.1 as the antigen for next-generation COVID-19 vaccines, replacing JN.1/KP.2-based formulations. The decision reflects XFG-lineage recombinant variants now dominating global surveillance — with XFG.1.1 accounting for approximately 32% of sequenced U.S. cases by May 2026. XFG and NB.1.8.1 were listed as acceptable alternative antigens. WHO emphasized vaccination should not be delayed pending reformulated vaccine availability.