Variants of SARS-CoV-2

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Variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are viruses that, while similar to the original, have genetic changes that are of enough significance to lead virologists to label them separately. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Some have been stated, to be of particular importance due to their potential for increased transmissibility,^[1] increased virulence, or reduced effectiveness of vaccines against them.^[2][3] These variants contribute to the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of 25 June 2025^[update], the variants of interest as specified by the World Health Organization are JN.1, and the variants under monitoring are KP.3, KP.3.1.1, JN.1.18, LP.8.1, NB.1.8.1, XEC and XFG.^[4]