Aug 30 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration

on Friday granted emergency use authorization for an updated

version of Novavax's ( NVAX ) COVID shot.

The updated vaccine is authorized for use in individuals 12

years of age and older and will target the JN.1 strain of the

virus.

"Today's authorization provides an additional COVID-19

vaccine option," said Peter Marks, director of the FDA's Center

for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

Earlier this month, the health regulator approved

updated COVID-19 vaccines made by Pfizer ( PFE ) and Moderna ( MRNA )

that target the KP.2 variant that was circulating

earlier this year.