The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized updated COVID-19 vaccines to target emerging variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These updated vaccines are designed to provide better protection against the latest strains in circulation.
Updated Vaccines Target New Variants
The updated COVID-19 vaccines are formulated to target a different variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. According to USA Today health reporter Karen Weintraub, recipients are unlikely to notice any difference in side effects compared to previous versions. The key change is a slightly modified formula to target the newer variant. Weintraub noted that while the targeted variant may no longer be the dominant one, the decision to target it was made based on the available information at the time.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
Health experts recommend that certain groups should prioritize receiving the updated COVID-19 vaccines. These groups include:
- Older adults (generally over 65, but potentially older or younger depending on individual health)
- Immunocompromised individuals (e.g., those with rheumatoid arthritis on immunosuppressants or cancer patients, especially those with blood cancers)
- Individuals with underlying conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease
For severely immunocompromised individuals, vaccination may be recommended at least twice a year due to reduced and shorter-lasting immune protection. While previous COVID-19 infections provide some T-cell immunity, they may not fully protect against mild infections, particularly if the infection occurred more than a few months prior.
Novavax Vaccine: A Traditional Option
In addition to the mRNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech, a third COVID-19 vaccine from Novavax is also available. The Novavax vaccine uses a protein-based technology, which is a more traditional approach to vaccine development. While it takes longer to manufacture, it is considered just as effective as the mRNA vaccines. There is some speculation that combining the Novavax vaccine with mRNA vaccines may offer additional benefits, but more data is needed to confirm this. The updated Novavax vaccine has arrived in the United States and is awaiting FDA and CDC approval before it can be distributed.
Concerns About Winter Virus Season
Health officials are concerned about the potential for a surge in respiratory viruses during the fall and winter months. As people spend more time indoors, the risk of transmission for viruses like COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) increases. A simultaneous surge in these viruses could overwhelm hospitals. Karen Weintraub noted, "There is a lot of concern that when we go inside for winter, when it gets cold, that that is that same time that flu and RSV and some other respiratory viruses are circulating, and that if they happen at once, hospitals could be overwhelmed with a lot of people sick at the same time."
