FDA approves revised Covid-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech

CNN Reports on FDA Approval of Updated Covid-19 Vaccines

As the United States grapples with a summer wave of Covid-19 cases, CNN recently reported on the US Food and Drug Administration’s approval of updated vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech. The news comes as a ray of hope amidst the ongoing pandemic, with the FDA signaling that these updated mRNA shots will soon be available in pharmacies and clinics across the country.

According to Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, vaccination remains crucial in the fight against Covid-19. He emphasized that the updated vaccines meet the agency’s rigorous standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality. With the waning immunity from previous exposure to the virus and vaccination, eligible individuals are strongly encouraged to consider receiving the updated Covid-19 vaccine for better protection against current variants.

Retailers like CVS and Walgreens have also taken proactive steps to ensure the availability of the updated vaccines. A CVS representative mentioned that doses are expected to arrive at their locations within a few days, with walk-ins accepted once the vaccine supply is in store. Similarly, Walgreens customers can schedule appointments for the updated vaccine starting September 6, with walk-ins becoming available as well.

CNN further revealed that levels of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in wastewater are at alarmingly high levels nationally, indicating the severity of the current situation. While measures of severe disease, such as hospitalization and death rates, have been rising, they still remain below levels seen in previous years.

The prevalent strain in the US, known as KP.3.1.1, accounts for a significant portion of recent cases, with its prevalence tripling over the past month. This strain, along with KP.2, is an offshoot of the Omicron variant and is included in the updated mRNA vaccines. The news also highlighted that an updated protein-based vaccine from Novavax will target the JN.1 variant, another offshoot of the Omicron lineage.

In line with CDC recommendations, individuals over 5 years of age are eligible to receive the updated Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, provided it has been at least two months since their last dose. Unvaccinated individuals between 6 months and 4 years old can receive three doses of the updated Pfizer vaccine or two doses of the updated Moderna vaccine. Those with weakened immune systems in this age group may be eligible for additional doses.

In conclusion, CNN’s comprehensive coverage sheds light on the latest developments in the battle against Covid-19, from FDA approval of updated vaccines to the rising trends in virus transmission and disease severity. With informative reporting and expert insights, CNN continues to be a reliable source of health-related news during these challenging times.