Key TakeawaysThe new COVID-19 variant XEC is spreading quickly in Europe and may soon become the dominant variant worldwide.XEC is a recombinant variant made up of two JN.1-related strains.A CDC spokesperson said the current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to provide some protection against XEC and other circulating variants.

Key Takeaways

The new COVID-19 variant XEC is spreading quickly in Europe and may soon become the dominant variant worldwide.XEC is a recombinant variant made up of two JN.1-related strains.A CDC spokesperson said the current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to provide some protection against XEC and other circulating variants.

A new COVID-19 variant, called XEC, is spreading rapidly in Europe.

XEC may “become the dominant variant globally in the next few months” because of its growth advantage over other circulating variants, according to researchers at the University of Glasgow.

Some cases of XEC have been reported in the United States, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not started tracking this new variant yet.

XEC is a “recombinant” variant made up of two JN.1-related variants—KS.1.1 and KP.3.3—according toAndrew Pekosz, PhD, a professor and vice chair of molecular microbiology and immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Pekosz added that COVID doesn’t seem to circulate seasonally like the flu does, even though a new COVID shot is launched each fall. “COVID cases are being detected at high numbers year-round,” he said.

All the emerging variants are related to the Omicron variant. Prior Omicron infections and getting vaccinated may keep people from having a severe case of COVID, saidHarish Moorjani, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Phelps Hospital in Briarcliff Manor, NY.

Melissa Brower Dibble, a CDC spokesperson, said the agency recommends that everyone ages six months and older get a 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against XEC and other variants.

At this time, Brower Dibble said, “We anticipate that COVID-19 treatments and vaccines will continue to work against all circulating variants. CDC will continue to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and vaccines against circulating variants.”

What This Means For YouWhile XEC is spreading rapidly, current vaccines are expected to offer protection. Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations to reduce your risk of severe COVID.

What This Means For You

While XEC is spreading rapidly, current vaccines are expected to offer protection. Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations to reduce your risk of severe COVID.

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.

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