CDC Recommends Updated COVID-19 Vaccines for All Ages Ahead of Winter
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended updated COVID-19 vaccines for everyone aged 6 months and above. These vaccines, which target the Omicron XBB.1.5 variant, should be available before the respiratory season when coronavirus, seasonal flu, and RSV viruses circulate simultaneously. The move comes as COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S. have risen since early July, reaching over 18,000 by early September.
The new COVID-19 booster offers protection against circulating subvariants like Eris and Pirola, as they are closely related to XBB.1.5. The FDA has approved these vaccines, with Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax reporting positive data against newer variants. The Ständige Impfkommission (STIKO) in Germany is set to recommend these vaccinations for children under 6 years old, following the CDC's recommendation for children aged 6 months through 11 years.
The updated vaccines are expected to provide protection during the upcoming fall and winter, barring the emergence of a significantly different variant. However, with the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the federal government will no longer provide the vaccines for free to all Americans. Nevertheless, many will still have access to them at no cost.
The updated COVID-19 vaccines, now recommended for everyone 6 months and older, aim to provide robust protection during the upcoming respiratory season. While the vaccines will no longer be free for all, many will still have access at no cost. It is crucial for individuals to stay informed and consult with healthcare providers to ensure they receive the appropriate vaccinations.
