Updated COVID vaccine targeting Omicron subvariant rolls out in Japan

An updated COVID-19 vaccine targeting the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant became available in Japan on Wednesday ahead of an expected surge in infections around the year-end holidays.The free vaccination campaign, in which anyone six months or older is eligible, will continue through the end of March, with the elderly and other high-risk populations encouraged to get protection.The XBB.1.5 subvariant is known for mutations that appear to help it evade the body's immune defenses and improve its ability to invade cells. The updated vaccine is also believed to be effective against the Omicron subva…READ FULL ARTICLE