As COVID-19 continues to evolve, U.S. regulators have approved updated vaccines in an effort to combat the ever-changing virus strains. Both Pfizer and Moderna are set to start shipping millions of doses of these new vaccines, with Novavax expected to follow shortly. These updated vaccines have been designed to more specifically target recent virus variants, with the hope of providing better protection against whatever strains may present a challenge this winter.
The Food and Drug Administration’s approval of these updated COVID-19 vaccines comes at a critical time, as the country continues to battle a summer wave of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has already recommended that this fall’s shot be administered to everyone age 6 months and older. With vaccinations set to be available within days, it is crucial for those eligible to consider receiving the updated vaccine in order to boost their protection against currently circulating variants.
It is important to note that while many Americans may have some degree of immunity from prior infections or vaccinations, this protection can wane over time. Dr. Robert Hopkins Jr. of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases warns that skipping the new shot is risky, as even a mild previous infection could lead to more severe symptoms or long COVID in the future. This fall’s vaccine recipe has been tailored to target a newer branch of the omicron descendants, specifically the KP.2 subtype that was prevalent earlier this year.
The big question on many people’s minds is when to get vaccinated. While the current wave of COVID-19 is ongoing, history tells us that winter surges tend to be more severe. The protection provided by COVID-19 vaccines against mild infection only lasts a few months, so it is advisable for those at high risk to schedule vaccinations as soon as they become available in their area. This group includes older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, nursing home residents, and pregnant women.
For healthy younger adults and children, there is no real reason to wait to get vaccinated. Dr. Hopkins recommends seeking the shots in the fall when doses will be widely available. The exception to this guidance is for individuals who have recently had COVID-19, who should wait three months after recovery before getting vaccinated to allow immunity from the infection to wane.
As schools prepare to reopen and coronavirus levels remain high across the country, it is crucial for more youngsters to get vaccinated this year. While COVID-19 may not affect children as severely as adults, it still poses a risk. Teachers are also encouraged to quickly get up to date with their vaccinations. It is worth noting that it is perfectly safe to get a COVID-19 and flu vaccination at the same time, offering convenience for individuals who do not want to make two separate trips.
In conclusion, the approval of updated COVID-19 vaccines marks an important step in the ongoing battle against the virus. As the threat of new variants looms, it is vital for individuals to consider receiving the updated vaccine for better protection. By following the guidance of health authorities and getting vaccinated in a timely manner, we can work together to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and keep ourselves and our communities safe.
