Recently, there has been an uptick in COVID-related illnesses within the late summer. To combat that, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves updated COVID-19 vaccines.
FDA Approval
As of Monday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines to help rev up immunity against the newest coronavirus strains and other viruses. As fall and winter approaches the main goal is to blunt any possible surges during these seasons. Experts have concerns since there has been a surge in cases and hospitalizations towards the end of the summer. Along with that, there are three viral illnesses up and coming as the colder seasons approach- coronavirus, the flu, and RSV.
In addition to that, RSV levels are picking up in the South, seeing spikes between late July and late August. RSV levels are also beginning to show in parts of the West and Midwest. Although experts have witnessed spikes in cases and hospitalizations, it’s no comparison to where the levels one, two years ago. “The trajectory of where we’re going is difficult to tell. I don’t think we’re going to have a surge at the level that we saw a year or two years ago, but where it will peak I think remains to be seen” stated Dr. Dan Barouch.
Barouch is the director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Adding to his statement, “We have the vast majority of the population with vaccine immunity, natural immunity, or both. So there is a substantial level of population immunity already.”
The new vaccines are coming from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech. There’s a third manufacturer, Novavax, whose updated shot is still awaiting the green light.
Vaccine Information
Manufacturers from both Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech say that their shots are effective against EG.5 (also known as Eris), one of the newer strains of COVID. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices are weighing the safety and effectiveness of these updated vaccines, making recommendations. Once those recommendations make it to the CDC director and the director approves, the vaccines will be administered.
Furthermore, The ACIP will be meeting to discuss the new vaccines Tuesday. This shows the possibility that the vaccines could be available within the next few days at specific drugstores and doctor’s offices. Health officials recommend to get the vaccines as soon as they are available. Those of the ages between 12 and older can receive the vaccine at any time whereas younger individuals, 6 months to 11 years old, can only receive the vaccine under urgent circumstances.
Babies and young children (6 months to 4 years old) who don’t have the COVID vaccine, have the option to receive three doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine or two doses of the Moderna vaccine. For those who have the previous vaccines, they are eligible to receive a single dose of the new vaccine. Particularly, at least two months from their last dose of any COVID-19 shot.
Affordability
With health being a priority, a big concern is the affordability/cost of the vaccines. Luckily under the Affordable Care Act, majority of insurance plans will cover the full cost of the vaccines, without co-pays. Those who are insured are to receive the vaccines at pharmacies, such as CVS and Walgreens, or their doctor’s office. Now those who don’t have insurance or are underinsured can access the updated vaccines through the CDC’s Bridge Access Program. The program is completely free. This new government program allows the CDC to purchase and distribute the vaccines through its network of state and local health departments.
The Bridge Access Program is temporary. Free vaccines through the program will not be available after December 2024. So it’s best to hurry and get the vaccinations as soon as possible. Stay safe and healthy during this cool season.
Written by Saniya Fields
Sources
CNN: FDA signs off on updated Covid-19 vaccines that target circulating variants by Jacqueline Howard
CNBC: FDA approves updated Covid vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna as hospitalizations rise by Annika Kim Constantino
Yahoo! News: US approves updated COVID vaccines to rev up protection this fall by Lauren Neergaard
Top and featured image Courtesy of Marco Verch Professional Photographer’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset image Courtesy of Focal Foto’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
