BALTIMORE – The FDA on Thursday approved updated COVID-19 booster shots from Moderna and Pfizer that would target the KP. 2 strain of the coronavirus. Officials say KP. 2 has spread in recent months, signaling caution as we move forward. towards autumn and its breathing focus.
“The virus evolves, the infections we get from past infections or from past vaccines are minimized over time,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Last fall and winter, 10% of the U. S. population had the flu; at the height of the respiratory illness season, more than 2,500 people per week were dying from COVID-19,” said Jeff Nesbit, assistant secretary for public affairs at the United States Department of Health. And Social Services said.
Health officials especially need older Marylanders and those who are immunocompromised to make sure they get the up-to-date annual booster, flu shot and RSV vaccine to avoid having to go to the emergency room.
“We’re talking about a vaccine that continues to evolve and the one that’s going to be available four or five months from now is most likely going to evolve more than it is now,” said Dr. Peter Marks of the Food and Drug Administration. . Administration.
“So you need to make sure you have the highest coverage point imaginable before [the] season where we know we’re going to see more COVID viruses circulating and flu viruses circulating,” Cohen said.
Now that the updated booster has been approved, Moderna and Pfizer have already begun shipping the newest vaccine. Authorities are encouraging the most vulnerable people to receive it as soon as possible, while others may wait until October to maximize their protection.
However, your message is simply to do it to yourself and others.
“Even if COVID is not a flu, you have to be able to get vaccinated in your arm, that’s the purpose of this crusade here,” Marks explained.
The Biden administration has announced that starting in late September, four free COVID tests will be mailed to Americans, a doubling to protect people as we approach respiratory illness season.