The FDA advisory panel has unanimously thrown their weight behind updated Covid-19 vaccines targeting the JN.1 variant or one of its illustrious descendants. Get ready, America; it's time for a fresh round of immunity boosters! It's like swapping out your old iPhone for the latest model—only this one might save your life.

The JN.1 variant first made its grand entrance in the U.S. in late August, and by January, it was the life of the party. However, as is tradition in a viral popularity contest, JN.1 was eventually overtaken by the KP.2 variant by mid-May. You could say KP.2 is the new JN.1, just with a fancier haircut.

According to the CDC, as of May 25, the weekly test positivity rate was a modest 4.2%, which might make you wonder if Americans have collectively figured out how to play hide-and-seek with the virus. Spoiler alert: Many folks have developed some form of immunity, whether through previous infections, vaccinations, or the good old combo pack.

Hospitalizations due to Covid are at their lowest levels since the infamous days of March 2020. It's almost as if people are now remembering what the inside of a hospital looked like thanks to reruns of "Grey's Anatomy" rather than personal experience. Pfizer announced it can have updated Covid shots ready to roll immediately upon FDA approval. Not to be outdone, Moderna declared it could distribute its updated shots by mid-August if given the green light.

Then there's Novavax, bravely stating it’s on track to deliver an updated vaccine targeting JN.1 by August. But—and here’s your twist, M. Night Shyamalan—if the FDA picks a different strain, Novavax may not have an updated shot available in time for the fall campaign. Think of it as ordering a pumpkin spice latte and getting a peppermint mocha instead. It's good, but it’s not what you ordered.

All three pharmaceutical heavyweights—Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax—showed data indicating that vaccines targeting JN.1 should ramp up antibody levels more effectively against circulating strains compared to the previous edition of their immunity elixirs. It's kind of like upgrading from a bicycle to a sports car—both will get you there, but one does it with a lot more flair.

Covid cases remain relatively low, with only 3% to 4% of people tested currently turning out positive for the virus. This means you're more likely to catch someone saying they "literally can't even" than you are to catch Covid during your morning coffee run.

The most common variants circulating in the U.S. at the moment are JN.1 and its exciting progeny—KP.2 and KP.3. They are the viral equivalent of keeping it in the family, only less awkward at Thanksgiving.

For those holding out for the classic Covid-19 vaccine, fear not, as past formulations still provide decent protection against severe disease and death across all demographics, although this protection does wane over time. Think of it as that old winter coat; it still keeps you warm, but you might want a new one with updated insulation for the upcoming chill.

Last fall and winter, over half a million people in the U.S. ended up in the hospital, and 40,000 sadly did not survive. With the updated vaccines on the horizon, the goal is to bring those numbers down even further, ideally heading off any more seasonal spikes in cases.

As Americans prepare to roll up their sleeves for the latest edition of Covid-19 vaccines, it's clear that staying ahead of the ever-evolving virus is the name of the game. So get ready, folks. Your limited edition immunity is coming soon to a pharmacy near you!