ATLANTA, GA – September 12, 2023 – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended an updated COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer and Moderna on September 11th. The vaccine has been approved for adults and children starting at 6 months of age.
The shots target a recent XBB omicron subvariant which was the dominant variant during the spring and early summer months. It appears to work against many of the currently circulating variants that are closely related to the XBB strain. This COVID shot was developed over the summer in order to rev up protection against the latest strains. The new vaccine will be available as soon as next week at pharmacies, health centers, and some doctor offices.
Respiratory viral infections, like COVID-19 and the flu, traditionally peak in the fall and winter months. The FDA’s intent is to treat updates of the COVID vaccine every fall like the annual flu shot. Both vaccines can be administered at the same visit. Not only will this be convenient, but Americans who regularly get their updated annual flu shot will be encouraged to get their updated COVID vaccine at the same time.
The following day, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that eligible Americans ages 6 months and older get the shot because it gives added protection against severe disease and death. The shot will be covered by most health insurance including Medicare and Medicaid; however, people without health insurance or who are underinsured may have to pay between $110-130. The CDC is working with health departments, clinics and some pharmacies to provide free shots.
Data from the CDC shows that COVID-19 infections have been increasing since early July. Hospitalizations and deaths have increased almost 16% and 17%, respectfully, between the week that ended on September 7th to the previous week. These numbers are well below the peak numbers during the pandemic due to some lasting immunity from prior vaccinations and infections and less virulent recent strains. However, with each passing month, the COVID immunity protection level falls and new strains continue to evolve.
Dr Peter Marks, the FDA vaccine chief, said in a statement “Vaccination remains critical to public health and continued protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death.”
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Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]
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