President Joe Biden has announced plans to request additional funding from Congress for the development of a new coronavirus vaccine as scientists monitor new waves of the virus and rising hospitalizations. The aim is to create updated vaccines to address the evolving virus variants, including an upcoming version targeting the XBB.1.5 omicron strain. Current vaccines mix the original coronavirus strain with omicron variants from the previous year, but ongoing mutations necessitate regular updates. Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are working on the XBB update, pending approval from the FDA and recommendations from the CDC. Biden indicated a tentative recommendation for widespread use once ready. While COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased, they remain significantly lower than previous peaks.