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There is a new reminder in the city. Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have created a new COVID-19 booster injection that works on the original virus and targets the highly transmissible variants BA. 4 and BA. 5, and the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control have signed it.
What does this mean for you? Here’s what we know.
New COVID Boosters: FDA Approves Reformulated COVID-19 Booster Injection for Fall
The new booster is a “bivalent” vaccine that attacks the original virus and the new BA. 4 and BA. 5 variants that have evolved from it. According to the FDA, the recall is expected to provide coverage to the most vulnerable, most likely helping to reduce infection rates at a time of year when we traditionally see sudden increases in strength and reduce the risk of prolonged COVID, which affects other people with persistent symptoms of fatigue, respiratory disorders and mental confusion that can last for months or longer. after infection.
The two boosters are the original vaccines with additional formulations added that target the mutated spike protein discovered in the BA. 4 and BA. 5 versions of the omicron variant.
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The increase we had this spring that we just decreased?This is due to the mutation of the original virus into new versions that are more harmful or simply less difficult to spread. Last fall, the delta variant spread across the country and caused a huge surge, which it surpassed through the highly transmissible omicron variant that has caused the highest number of cases and deaths from the pandemic so far.
Omicron continued to mutate, which even led to contracting the BA. 4 and BA. 5 variants that swept the world. According to CDC reports, BA. 5 now accounts for nearly 90% of all infections in the United States, and the rest are almost all BA. 4.
In August, Florida reported 209,063 cases and added another 2,008 COVID deaths.
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And we’re about to enter the fall and winter, with the start of a new school season and other people spending more time indoors and in tight spaces.
That’s a smart idea. Evidence suggests that this reformulated booster might be more protective against existing omicron variants than previous ones, and COVID vaccine coverage and booster begins to decline over time, so experts recommend that most people get a booster six months after their vaccine. last injection or infection.
Any immunocompromised person should contact their health care provider, as they may want to receive reminders more often.
Many act as if the pandemic is over: this is an option for immunocompromised people.
COVID Deaths: U. S. The U. S. is stuck on a “horrible plateau” of COVID-19 deaths, according to experts. Here’s why.
The Pfizer-BioNTech booster is allowed for ages 12 and up. Moderna’s retreat is allowed only for adults over the age of 18.
The CDC plans to introduce the updated recalls for other pediatric equipment in the coming weeks, after the FDA authorizes them.
You can take the new booster at least two months after your last dose, officials said, though some CDC members have asked to wait at least 3 months after a vaccination or infection.
“If you’re eligible, it’s not a bad time to get your COVID-19 recall and I strongly urge you to get it,” said CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, in a statement.
According to the CDC, reinforcements will be available in a few days. Pfizer has already shipped more than 100,000 doses to 62 sites in the U. S. It expects to have 3 million doses at more than 3300 sites by Tuesday. at the end of the Labor Day week. Check with your local pharmacy or physical care provider for availability.
When the COVID-19 vaccines first came out, the CDC waited two weeks between vaccines, just in case. But after millions of vaccines were given and more studies were conducted, they revised their guidelines. at the same time.
“Experience of administering other vaccines in combination has shown how our bodies expand coverage and the imaginable-looking effects are sometimes similar, whether the vaccines are given alone or with other vaccines,” the CDC says.
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It depends on who is going to be vaccinated and whether it is more likely to have any side effects. But it also means you have pain or fatigue at the same time rather than two separate fights.
According to the CDC, “the potential side effects are similar whether the vaccines are given alone or with other vaccines. “
Contributor: Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY
C. A. Bridges is a virtual manufacturer of USA TODAY netpaintings, operating several newsrooms in Florida. Local news hounds strive to keep you informed about the topics that interest you, and you can do this by subscribing to your local news agency. Read more of Chris’ articles here and join him on Twitter at @cabridges