Author: Shannon Hannes
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first COVID-19 modified vaccination on Wednesday. The government is getting ready for a vaccination program that will start in the fall, and these new booster doses manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna will focus on the Omicron subvariants.
According to the FDA, the original virus strain that was the target of all prior COVID vaccinations will also be in the new vaccines.
This article will provide insight into this new COVID vaccine and what to expect from them.
Who is the New COVID Booster Shot Authorized for?
The FDA has shortened the previously advised intervals and permitted the booster injection for anyone 12 years of age and older who has completed the initial vaccination series and is at least two months from their last booster shot.
There is optimism that the shot will reinstate the immunity against symptomatic infections that the original immunizations afforded when they first launched in late 2020 and early 2021, according to Dr. Peter Marks, a top FDA official.
He added that the FDA doesn’t know whether the new booster shot will function at the same level but hopes it will.
COVID Booster Shots Available in the Fall
The administration has begun planning the fall distribution, which may start after this weekend’s US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) meeting.
Furthermore, to prevent the worst consequences of a potential infection increase as schools resume and people spend more time indoors owing to the cold weather, the US has also collected more than 170 million doses of the two vaccinations.
Is the New Covid Shot Free?
The government intends to move vaccinations to the commercial insurance market next year, so this may be the last vaccination given to all Americans without charge.
The Pfizer shot will be available to Americans starting from 12 years old and older. The Moderna updated vaccines have been approved for use by individuals 18 and older.
Pfizer also disclosed that it can deliver up to 15 million shots by September 9th and that some doses are available for immediate shipping. On the other hand, Moderna states that its newest shot will be accessible “in the coming days.”
The New Shots and Older People
According to experts, the new shots will be critical for the immunocompromised and the elderly. However, there is insufficient data to warrant the level of protection sought by the government.
According to Dr. Gregory Poland, a vaccination expert at the Mayo Clinic, “those who haven’t been infected and whose last dosage was over a year ago will significantly benefit from these new doses.” However, he isn’t sure how much of a boost they will receive.
The revaccination in this fall season intends to reach a more significant number of people than prior boosters approved by the FDA earlier this year.
Summary
The FDA has approved a new booster shot that will be released this fall and will target the omicron subvariants. The vaccination is indicated for adults aged 12 and up, and the FDA argues that it will primarily assist the elderly. Also, the government will no longer provide free vaccines to Americans next year, as plans are in the works to make them a part of private insurance. Pfizer vaccinations may be accessible as early as September 9th, while Moderna vaccines will be available in the coming days.