# Robust neutralization of emerging JN.1 subvariants by the updated JN.1 vaccine: rationale for catch-up booster recommendations in high-risk individuals

## TL;DR

The updated JN.1 vaccine provides strong protection against new SARS-CoV-2 variants and is recommended for high-risk individuals as a booster.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the JN.1 vaccine's robust cross-neutralizing activity against emerging variants compared to previous vaccines.

## Key findings

- The JN.1 vaccine induces strong neutralizing activity against NB.1.8.1 and JN.1.
- The immune response to JN.1 is stronger than to XBB.1.5 from the previous season.
- Improved background immunity supports recommending catch-up boosters for high-risk groups.

## Abstract

The updated JN.1 monovalent vaccine (MoV) for the 2024–2025 season elicits strong cross-neutralizing activity against subsequently circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants in 2025, including the recently emerging NB.1.8.1, with titer increases comparable to those against the vaccine strain JN.1. The immune response induced by the JN.1 MoV was markedly stronger than that induced by XBB.1.5 MoV in the previous season, both against the vaccine strain and post-vaccine variant (all P < 0.001). These results likely reflect improved background immunity to circulating variants and support the use of catch-up booster vaccination during the summer surge, particularly for high-risk groups.