XEC, the new COVID-19 variant: Is it fatal? Will vaccines work? Here's what doctors want you to know

The contagious nature of the new XEC COVID-19 variant is drawing attention. It has been found in China, Europe, and the United States. It is a hybrid of Omicron subvariants. Vaccines help prevent serious illness even though they may not offer complete protection against infection, particularly in high-risk individuals.