The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given its approval to updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, marking the third revision to these vaccines. These new formulations are specifically designed to target the KP.2 strain of SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus responsible for COVID-19. Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, emphasized that vaccination remains crucial for COVID-19 prevention, stating that the updated vaccines meet stringent scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality. He strongly encourages eligible individuals to consider receiving the updated vaccine to enhance protection against currently circulating variants, especially given the waning immunity within the population.

Dr. Thomas Russo, a professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York, explains that these mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna have been refined to more closely combat the prevailing strains, offering improved protection against serious infection. He notes that while Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are ready, the Novavax vaccine is not yet available. The FDA's current recommendation is that everyone aged 6 months and older should receive the new vaccine.

Regarding availability, pharmacies are in the process of rolling out the new vaccines. CVS has stated it is removing older versions and awaiting the new stock, allowing for future appointment bookings. Walgreens, however, had not yet updated its website to reflect the new vaccines. Dr. Russo anticipates that it will likely take about a week for the shots to become widely available at pharmacies. For high-risk individuals, immediate vaccination is advisable. For those at low risk of severe complications, he suggests getting the vaccine by Halloween. If you experienced a COVID-19 infection during the summer, a three-month waiting period from the time of infection before vaccination is recommended.

The cost of the new COVID-19 vaccine can vary. While most health insurance plans are expected to cover the vaccine, individuals without Medicaid or private insurance may face out-of-pocket expenses. Dr. Russo points out that funding for adult public health vaccination programs is no longer available, creating a barrier for uninsured adults, although children are typically covered by pediatric vaccination initiatives.

As the weather cools and cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations begin to rise again, coupled with the emergence of new variants, public attention is once again turning to the virus. Several COVID variants are currently circulating, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). EG.5, also known as “Eris,” became the most common variant in the U.S. during the summer, accounting for nearly 25 percent of infections. Another variant, BA.2.86 or “Pirola,” is also being monitored by the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO), despite fewer reported cases globally.

The newly released vaccines are monovalent, meaning they target a single strain of SARS-CoV-2, specifically the XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant. This contrasts with the previous bivalent vaccines that targeted multiple strains. Although extensive clinical data is still being gathered, preliminary information from Pfizer and Moderna indicates a significant increase in neutralizing antibodies against EG.5 and BA.2.86. Dr. Russo highlights that these updated shots are better matched to circulating variants, offering strong protection against severe COVID and death, and modest protection against infection, especially for vulnerable populations like older adults and immunocompromised individuals. He likens annual COVID boosters to flu vaccines, updated yearly to match predicted dominant strains.

The names of the vaccines remain Pfizer’s Comirnaty and Moderna’s Spikevax, with this year’s version being referred to as the “2023-2024 formula.” Side effects are consistent with previous vaccines, including pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, chills, muscle pain, joint pain, and fever. The CDC also advises that if you have health insurance, the vaccine should be fully covered. For the uninsured, the CDC’s Bridge Access Program offers free vaccines at participating local health centers and pharmacies. It is possible to receive the COVID booster concurrently with a flu shot, though Dr. Russo suggests spacing them out by a week or two if possible, particularly for those who have experienced significant side effects from either vaccine in the past, to avoid a