There will be better protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19 in the coming months now that newly updated (2023–2024 formula) mRNA COVID vaccines are available. The new shots are expected to keep more people from getting seriously ill with the virus through the winter, when infections and hospitalizations tend to tick upwards. And unlike the spring booster that targeted people ages 60 and older, these updated vaccines are for everyone ages 6 months and older.
The new shots designed to protect against XBB.1.5 should also protect against more recent virus strains, including EG.5 and BA.2.86.
More: https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/updated-covid-vaccine-10-things-to-know