What to Know About the New COVID-19 Booster Shots？

According to the CDC COVID Data Tracker, total hospitalizations and deaths have gone up by 18.8% and 17.6%, respectively, in the most recent week, and this trend has continued for several weeks now.

Although it is important to note that the current surge of COVID-19 is nowhere close to previous waves, due to it being the first increase since last winter. With the weather getting cooler and schools nationwide resuming, it is valid to raise some concerns and be aware of the potential outbreak that could happen.

Conveniently, a new wave of COVID-19 Booster Shots is expected to be available within the month of September. These new COVID-19 booster shots will now add spike protein components from Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants to the existing vaccine formulation. This adaptation will reinforce the previous booster shot with a focus on the new variants that are more transmissible and immune-evading.

The CDC anticipates issuing recommendations for updated COVID-19 booster shots for additional pediatric age groups as well. These recommendations are based on the analysis and evaluation of data by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on September 1, 2022. Once the necessary data becomes available and the FDA grants authorization for these booster types, the CDC will ensure their availability across the United States.

The authorization of updated COVID-19 boosters by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and subsequent CDC recommendations represent critical steps in advancing the nation's vaccination program.

About COVID-19 Vaccines

The best protection against COVID-19 will be to follow the recommended vaccination schedule issued by the CDC. The following four COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States have proven to be highly effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and fatalities:

• Pfizer-BioNTech

• Moderna

• Novavax

• Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen (J&J/Janssen)

Transitioning Away from Original (Monovalent) COVID-19 Vaccines

As of April 18, 2024, the FDA in the United States has ceased authorization for the original Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.

On the same note, starting May 6, 2024, the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be accessible for appropriate medical use in the United States.

A monovalent booster vaccine is designed to combat one single strain of a virus. In the context of COVID-19, a monovalent booster focused on the original strain of the virus, often referred to as the ancestral strain.

While monovalent boosters are effective against the original virus, it's worth noting that they are certainly less potent compared to the bivalent boosters, since the bivalent boosters target both the original strain and the new variant, providing comprehensive immunity.

The Updated bivalent vaccines

Bivalent vaccines are called "updated" because they provide protection against both the original COVID-19 virus strain and the new Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5. Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have both developed these updated COVID-19 vaccines.

“The updated COVID-19 boosters are formulated to better protect against the most recently circulating COVID-19 variant. They can help restore protection that has waned since previous vaccinations and were designed to provide broader protection against newer variants. This recommendation followed a comprehensive scientific evaluation and robust scientific discussion. If you are eligible, there is no bad time to get your COVID-19 booster, and I strongly encourage you to receive it,” Dr. Walensky said, noting the importance of the updated vaccines.

Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 Vaccines

Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, CDC Director, endorsed by the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), recommends the updated COVID-19 boosters produced by Pfizer-BioNTech for individuals aged 12 and above, and Moderna for those aged 18 and above.

Potential Side Effect

The advantages of COVID-19 booster shots outweigh the potential risks, such as some mild side effects like pain, headache, and fatigue, for the majority of people.

The post-COVID-19 vaccine side will vary from person to person. While some people may encounter only minor discomfort and go on with their normal day, others might experience side effects that temporarily impact their ability to do so. Nevertheless, it's important to note that these side effects typically go away within a few days, and even if you do not experience any side effects, the protection against COVID-19 will be just as effective.

Vaccination situation

According to the latest data available from the CDC, on August 31, 2024, approximately 111.4 million people opted to receive either an additional vaccine dose or a booster dose. Among this group, around 19.4 million chose an updated bivalent booster shot. This number is expected to go up significantly as the new wave of booster shots starts to become available this month.

Cost of New COVID-19 Shot

Similar to the previous COVID-19 shots, the new shots will be free as long as you have insurance. If you don't already have insurance in America, the government is working on a program that will provide free shots a few weeks after the release. The goal is to ensure that everyone has access to them as soon as possible.