The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that all Americans ages 6 months and older receive updated Covid vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. This recommendation has been approved by CDC Director Mandy Cohen and is based on the advice of an independent panel of advisors. The first doses of the updated shots will be available within the next 48 hours.
CDC Director Mandy Cohen stated, “We have more tools than ever to prevent the worst outcomes from COVID-19. CDC is now recommending updated COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 6 months and older to better protect you and your loved ones.”
The panel of advisors voted in favor of the universal recommendation, with one member voting against it. Dr. Beth Bell, a member of the panel, highlighted the importance of vaccination in preventing serious illness and death across all age groups.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the updated vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna for individuals 12 and older, and for emergency use in children ages 6 months through 11 years. These vaccines specifically target the omicron subvariant XBB.1.5. The FDA is still reviewing an updated shot from Novavax that uses protein-based technology.
The updated vaccines aim to protect against newer variants of the virus and prevent severe illness and hospitalization. Initial trial data from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax have shown promising immune responses against the dominant EG.5 variant and another omicron variant called BA.2.86.
It is anticipated that the new vaccines will help as the U.S. enters respiratory virus season, where higher levels of Covid, respiratory syncytial virus, and flu tend to spread. The CDC expects further increases in hospitalizations during this time.
While the end of the U.S. Covid public health emergency has resulted in individuals purchasing vaccines directly from manufacturers, most Americans will still be able to access the new vaccines through private insurance or government payers. For the uninsured or underinsured, the Biden administration has a temporary “Bridge Access Program” in place to provide free shots.
The CDC’s Vaccines For Children program will also offer free Covid vaccines to children whose families or caretakers cannot afford them once the shots move to the commercial market.
