Risk evaluation for SARS-CoV-2 Variant Under Monitoring: LP.8.1

Overview

LP.8.1 is currently one of two SARS-CoV-2 variants under monitoring (VUM) with increasing prevalence globally, the other being XEC. Considering the available evidence, the additional public health risk posed by LP.8.1 is evaluated as low at the global level. The recommended COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain cross-reactive to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease, as LP.8.1 immune escape is comparable to XEC that has been shown to have limited immune escape from JN.1 or KP.2 mRNA booster vaccines. Therefore, the continued spread of this variant alone is unlikely to increase the burden on national public health systems compared to other Omicron sub-lineages.