The World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled the JN.1 coronavirus strain as a "variant of interest," emphasizing that the current evidence suggests a low risk to public health. While JN.1 can evade the immune system and exhibits increased transmissibility, experts, including virologist Andrew Pekosz, note that it does not show signs of causing more severe disease. Previously part of the lineage BA.2.86, JN.1 is now classified separately.

WHO affirms that existing vaccines remain effective against severe disease and death caused by JN.1 and other circulating COVID-19 variants. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates JN.1 constitutes 15% to 29% of cases in the U.S., with no evidence of increased risk compared to other variants.