COVID-19 Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advise Adjustments in Vaccines to Tackle Emerging Variations of the Virus
Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Now Available: What You Need to Know
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine, following the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s approval of updated vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna on Sept. 11.
The updated vaccines are designed to provide protection during this fall and winter, barring the emergence of a significantly different variant. They are formulated to more closely target currently circulating variants, including Omicron XBB.1.5, Eris, and Pirola. Both Pfizer and Novavax claim their vaccines are likely to work against these circulating strains, with Novavax developing a vaccine that targets XBB.1.5, but the FDA is still reviewing its application.
The new vaccines are protein-based, like the Novavax candidate, which contains pieces of the virus that causes COVID-19. They are approved for people 12 years and older, and the shot is also authorized by the FDA for emergency use for children ages 6 months through 11 years.
The updated vaccines can provide a boost in immune protection against the coronavirus for those who have previously been vaccinated or infected. It's important to note that the updated vaccines are available regardless of whether an individual received any prior vaccines or boosters against COVID-19.
The federal government is no longer making COVID-19 vaccines free to all Americans, but many people will still have access to them at no cost. People with commercial insurance plans through the government or an employer will get the vaccines at no cost under the terms of the Affordable Care Act. Children from low-income families can also get free vaccines through the CDC's Vaccines for Children program.
In Germany, the organization responsible for authorizing free COVID-19 vaccinations for uninsured or underinsured individuals is the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung (KV), the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians. They manage vaccination delivery and reimbursement, including for vulnerable groups without insurance.
It's worth mentioning that the FDA has also approved an RSV vaccine for infants from birth through 6 months of age, but the CDC has not yet recommended this vaccine.
The updated vaccines should be available before the respiratory season is in full swing, providing protection during the crucial fall and winter months. The CDC voted 13-1 to recommend updated COVID-19 vaccines for everyone in the United States 6 months and older.
Stay informed and stay safe. Get your updated COVID-19 vaccine today.
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