COVID no summer vacation And with the usual winter surge approaching, the Food and Drug Administration on Thursday Newly approved vaccine from Pfizer Company And Modern.
The third Novavax shot has not yet been approved, but health officials are recommending that people get it (no longer called a booster shot) as the number of people testing positive continues to rise and hospitalizations continue to rise.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s COVID vaccines.
When will a new COVID vaccine be available?
Officials say the new shots could be available in the coming days, sooner than last year, when they weren’t available in pharmacies and doctors’ offices until September.
How effective will the new COVID vaccine be against new strains?
As with the annual flu vaccine, the jury is still out. The new shots target the KP.2 strain, a mutation of the variant that spread widely last winter. But KP.2 is fading as other related strains proliferate. The KP.3.1.1 strain now accounts for 36% of new COVID cases, and KP.3 accounts for 17%.
However, experts say getting vaccinated will protect you from severe illness, even if you do get the virus.
Who should get the new COVID vaccine?
Last year, only 22.5% of Americans updated Covid vaccineThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which expects higher numbers this year, encourages everyone six months and older to get vaccinated, but recommends that people over 65 or with health conditions like a weakened immune system or obesity get the vaccine more urgently.
Should I get the new COVID vaccine right away or wait until winter approaches?
A lot of it depends on your situation… If you’re at high risk or older, the CDC recommends getting vaccinated as soon as possible. If you’re caught in the summer COVID wave, you might consider delaying getting vaccinated. up to three monthsbecause you may have natural immunity.
For young and healthy people, there are two ways to look at the timing. The new vaccines are combined with the current wave, meaning you’ll likely see greater benefit for what is presentHowever, waiting until late fall, around September or October, may give you the best protection throughout the winter months.
Can I get the flu vaccine and the new COVID vaccine at the same time?
Yes. It is safe to get both doses at the same time. health officials said.
