The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, marking the third revision to these vaccines. These new mRNA vaccines are specifically targeted toward the XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant of SARS-CoV-2, which is designed to offer enhanced protection against currently circulating strains like KP.2, EG.5 (known as “Eris”), and BA.2.86 (dubbed “Pirola”). Peter Marks, MD, PhD, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, emphasized that vaccination remains crucial for COVID-19 prevention, stating that these updated vaccines meet rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality. Given the waning immunity in the population, officials strongly encourage eligible individuals to receive an updated vaccine for better protection.

According to Thomas Russo, MD, a professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York, the updated Pfizer (Comirnaty) and Moderna (Spikevax) vaccines are monovalent, meaning they target a single strain, unlike previous bivalent versions. While a Novavax vaccine update is not yet available, preliminary data from Pfizer and Moderna indicate a significant increase in neutralizing antibodies against variants like EG.5 and BA.2.86. The CDC and FDA recommend the new vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and up. Dr. Russo suggests high-risk individuals get vaccinated as soon as possible, while those at low risk for severe complications should aim to receive it by Halloween. If recently infected, a three-month waiting period from infection is advised; if recently vaccinated, a two-month wait is recommended.

Availability at pharmacies is expected to improve shortly. While some chains like CVS are currently updating their inventory and allowing future bookings, others, such as Walgreens, have not yet fully updated their websites. Dr. Russo estimates it will take approximately a week for the shots to be widely available. The cost of the new vaccine largely depends on insurance coverage. Most health insurance plans are expected to cover the vaccine. However, uninsured adults might face out-of-pocket costs due to the discontinuation of public health programs that previously subsidized adult vaccinations. Children typically remain covered through various pediatric programs, and the CDC’s Bridge Access Program offers free vaccines to uninsured individuals.

Despite a summer decline, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are on the rise again as cooler weather approaches. Several new variants are circulating, with EG.5 (Eris) becoming the most common in the U.S., accounting for nearly 25 percent of infections and being considered a “grandchild” of Omicron. BA.2.86 (Pirola) is also under monitoring by the WHO due to its global spread. For many otherwise healthy individuals, current COVID-19 symptoms are akin to a common cold, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, congestion, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, and nausea or vomiting. However, symptoms can be more severe for those in high-risk categories.

The updated vaccines are considered well-matched for current circulating variants and are highly effective in protecting against severe COVID-19 and death, with modest protection against infection. Dr. Russo likens the annual update process to that of the flu vaccine, continually adapting to predicted dominant strains. Side effects are similar to previous versions, including pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site, along with fatigue, headache, chills, muscle pain, joint pain, and fever. Individuals can receive the COVID-19 vaccine concurrently with their flu shot; however, Dr. Russo suggests spacing them out by a week or two if possible, especially for those who have experienced significant side effects from either vaccine in the past, to mitigate a