The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved new COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, marking the third time these vaccines have been updated. These mRNA vaccines are designed to more closely target currently circulating strains of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, including the KP.2 strain and the XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant. Data from both companies indicate a significant increase in neutralizing antibodies against variants of concern such as EG.5, known as “Eris,” and BA.2.86, dubbed “Pirola.” According to Peter Marks, MD, PhD, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, vaccination remains the cornerstone of COVID-19 prevention, and these updated vaccines meet stringent scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality. Given the waning immunity in the population, there is a strong encouragement for eligible individuals to consider receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine for better protection.

With the cooling weather and a rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, coupled with the emergence of new variants, understanding the updated vaccine's role is crucial. Thomas Russo, MD, a professor and chief of infectious diseases at the University at Buffalo in New York, explains that these new shots are better matched for the circulating variants than earlier versions. While Pfizer’s Comirnaty and Moderna’s Spikevax are available, the Novavax vaccine is not yet ready. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends that everyone aged 6 months and up get the new vaccine.

Availability at pharmacies is expected soon. Chains like CVS are currently removing their 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine inventory and anticipating the arrival of the new vaccine, with appointments for the near future already bookable. Walgreens is also in the process of updating its website and offerings. Dr. Russo estimates it will likely take about a week or so for the shots to be widely available at pharmacies. For individuals in high-risk categories, getting vaccinated as soon as possible is advisable. Low-risk individuals are encouraged to receive the new vaccine by Halloween. If you were recently infected during a summer COVID wave, it's suggested to wait three months from the time of infection before getting vaccinated. Similarly, if you received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past few weeks, Dr. Russo recommends waiting until you pass the two-month mark before getting the updated shot.

The cost of the new COVID-19 vaccine depends on individual circumstances. While most health insurance companies are expected to cover the vaccine fully, uninsured adults may need to pay out-of-pocket, as government programs that previously provided free adult vaccines are no longer available. Children are typically covered through various pediatric vaccination programs. For uninsured adults, the CDC recommends visiting local health centers or pharmacies participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program to receive a free vaccine. Dr. Russo notes this financial aspect presents another barrier to receiving care.

The new boosters are monovalent, meaning they target a single strain of SARS-CoV-2, differing from the previous bivalent vaccines that targeted multiple strains. Dr. Russo confirms that this updated shot is better matched for the circulating variants, showing strong protection against severe COVID-19 and death, and a more modest prevention of infection. Although there is no clinical data yet to provide an exact percentage of effectiveness against the virus, the approach mirrors the annual flu vaccine, where scientists update it each year to match predicted common variants. This year’s version of the vaccine is simply referred to as the “2023-2024 formula.”

For many otherwise healthy individuals, current COVID-19 symptoms resemble a cold, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, and nausea or vomiting, according to the CDC. However, symptoms can be more severe for those in high-risk categories. Side effects of the updated vaccines are similar to past versions and may include pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site, as well as general symptoms like fatigue, headache, chills, muscle pain, joint pain, and fever. It is generally acceptable to receive the COVID booster at the same time as a flu shot. However, if time permits, Dr. Russo suggests spacing them out by a week or two to potentially reduce the cumulative impact of side effects, especially if you have experienced side effects from either vaccine previously. Dr. Russo emphasizes the ongoing presence of COVID and the increasing case numbers, urging individuals to get vaccinated for added protection.