The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced a more flexible COVID-19 booster schedule for older Americans and people with weak immune systems, granting them the option of a second “bivalent” Pfizer or Moderna booster, the most up-to-date formula available. According to Dr. Sara Oliver, CDC’s representative, while many individuals may be experiencing vaccine fatigue, a subset remains eager to receive additional doses. This announcement followed in the footsteps of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) new rule, which replaced outdated vaccine plans with updated ones, making vaccination simpler for all Americans.
The updated booster shots are necessary for those above 65 years of age and individuals who have not been vaccinated in the last four months. Furthermore, those with weak immune systems can opt for an updated Pfizer or Moderna booster two months after receiving their first. The latest guidelines from the FDA and CDC permit them to get additional doses if and when their physician deems it necessary.
The U.S. has adopted the same approach as Canada and Britain, providing a spring shot to specific vulnerable populations. The new FDA rules permit the younger and healthier population to conduct meetings in June about the need for booster shots, and if the vaccine recipe requires further adjustment such as with flu vaccines. The current updated Pfizer and Moderna shots deal with BA.4 and BA.5 omicron types, replaced by a continually evolving list of omicron descendants. Although protection against mild infections is short-lived, the latest doses still provide excellent immunity against severe disease and death, even against the newest variants.
However, CDC’s advisers were saddled by the low vaccination rates among the youngest children. So far, only 6% of 2- to 4-year-olds and 4.5% of those under 2 have received their initial COVID-19 shots. The newer FDA rules allow for more children to receive vaccines, with unvaccinated 5-year-olds getting two Moderna shots or a single Pfizer shot, and partially-vaccinated children being given a bivalent shot or two based on their vaccination history.
For people who prefer more traditional types of COVID-19 vaccines, Novavax’s original formula remains available. However, it is also preparing for the FDA’s fall update, manufacturing several new formulas. The CDC has urged all Americans eligible for booster shots, especially the vulnerable population, to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and others from the virus.
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