Who Should Get the Newest FDA-Approved COVID Vaccine?
The Food and Drug Administration approved an updated COVID-19 vaccine to better cover the latest strains while much of the U.S. sees a summer surge of infections.
Today, we approved and granted emergency use authorization for updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (2024-2025 formula) to include a monovalent (single) component that corresponds to the Omicron variant KP.2 strain of SARS-CoV-2. https://t.co/pul33IEnIw
— U.S. FDA (@US_FDA) August 22, 2024
The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have… pic.twitter.com/HkZlPX8jwW
Pfizer and Moderna are working to make the vaccinations available this week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the booster. Moffitt Cancer Center experts urge patients to make the vaccination a priority.
“For our cancer patients and vulnerable populations, this updated vaccine will offer one of the best ways to protect against COVID’s newest variants,” said John Greene, MD, chair of the Infectious Diseases Program at Moffitt. “We also encourage health care workers to get a protective shot.”
The COVID vaccines are designed to prevent severe disease, hospitalization and death, and may also reduce the chances of developing long COVID. But the protection against mild infection lasts only a few months.
So when should you get the shot?
Vulnerable populations — older adults, people with weak immune systems, those with serious medical problems and pregnant women — should schedule a vaccination as soon as possible. Cases remain high during a summer wave. According to wastewater surveillance data from the CDC, one of the only ways to measure the spread of the virus, Florida is one of 29 states experiencing very high levels of the virus. Moffitt experts say the COVID summer surge is showing signs of peaking, but the winter wave is expected to be worse.
Younger adults and children can schedule a vaccine anytime, but consider your overall health and plans for the next few months. Those traveling and attending large events may want to get the shot sooner.
People who have had COVID-19 should wait three months before getting the shot.
Experts say it’s safe to get a COVID-19 and flu vaccine at the same time. The best time to receive a flu shot is late September through October, ahead of the inevitable winter flu season.
Vaccines should be available soon at your local pharmacy and doctor’s office. Call or check online to see when appointments are available. Most insurance plans cover the vaccine.
Remember, the best way to avoid getting COVID is a combination of wearing masks, avoiding crowds and getting the vaccine.
