As the U.S. heads into summer, a group of COVID-19 variants known as “FLiRT” is gaining traction, with KP.2 emerging as the most prominent strain. These variants, including KP.1.1, are descendants of the previously dominant JN.1 strain, which is now on the decline.
According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, KP.2 was responsible for over 28% of new infections in the U.S. during a two-week period ending on May 11. Globally, the World Health Organization reported that KP.2 accounts for nearly 10% of infections worldwide.
Despite the rise of these FLiRT variants, they are not currently driving an increase in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, or deaths. Wastewater viral activity, which can help track infections, is considered minimal at the national level.
While COVID-19 vaccines currently target a strain no longer circulating in the U.S., they are still expected to provide protection against the FLiRT variants. Federal advisers are set to discuss these variants in June to determine if any updates to the vaccines are necessary.
With COVID-19 vaccine uptake lower than expected, at less than 23% of adults receiving the latest shot, there is concern about the level of protection against emerging variants. The FDA reassures that the date change for the advisory group meeting will not impact vaccine availability for the fall.