Story perspectives

New COVID Vaccine ARCT-2303 Shows Promise Against Omicron

9/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A clinical study found that the new COVID-19 vaccine, ARCT-2303, provides better protection against Omicron and can be safely given alongside the flu shot.
Researchers from the Doherty Institute and University of Melbourne conducted the trial with nearly 1,500 participants across Australia, Costa Rica, Honduras, and the Philippines.
ARCT-2303 showed a stronger immune response than traditional mRNA vaccines and had mild side effects.
Pfizer and BioNTech's updated mRNA vaccine for the 2025-2026 season raised antibody levels by at least fourfold in older adults.
Vaccine access varies by state, with some requiring prescriptions for eligible individuals.

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Story summary

A clinical study found that the new COVID-19 vaccine, ARCT-2303, provides better protection against Omicron and can be safely given alongside the flu shot.
Researchers from the Doherty Institute and University of Melbourne conducted the trial with nearly 1,500 participants across Australia, Costa Rica, Honduras, and the Philippines.
ARCT-2303 showed a stronger immune response than traditional mRNA vaccines and had mild side effects.
Pfizer and BioNTech's updated mRNA vaccine for the 2025-2026 season raised antibody levels by at least fourfold in older adults.
Vaccine access varies by state, with some requiring prescriptions for eligible individuals.