NEW COVID VACCINES ARE COMING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved new Covid-19 vaccines, which will soon be available at pharmacies, doctors' offices, and health centers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expected to recommend these updated vaccines for everyone aged six months and older. Here’s a simple guide on what to expect.
What’s new about the shots?
The FDA approved updated vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna that target the KP.2 strain of the coronavirus, which started spreading widely this past spring. These new vaccines are designed to protect against this strain and others similar to it.
“When the match is good, as we expect with these current strains, you can get protection from infection for several months,” said Dr. Paul Sax from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
These new vaccines are expected to be more effective against the current strains compared to the ones from last fall.
Another company, Novavax, is also waiting for FDA approval for its updated vaccine, which targets a similar variant called JN.1.
What if I recently got vaccinated?
If you recently received an older Covid vaccine, you might need to wait before getting the new one. It's important to space out the doses, especially if you're at higher risk. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out the best time to get vaccinated.
What If I recently had Covid?
If you had Covid over the summer, it’s a good idea to wait a few months before getting the new shot. Your body already has some protection from your recent infection, so getting the vaccine right away won’t add much extra benefit. The CDC suggests waiting three months after a Covid infection before getting vaccinated.
How quickly does protection start?
After getting vaccinated, it takes about one to two weeks for your body to build up protection against the virus. The peak protection happens about a month after vaccination, giving you a lower risk of infection for several weeks. The vaccines should also provide longer-lasting protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
When should I get vaccinated?
If you’re at higher risk, like if you’re 65 or older, have a weak immune system, or have other health conditions, it’s best to get the new vaccine as soon as it’s available.
If you’re not at high risk, you might want to wait until October. This timing can help protect you during the winter and holiday season, and it’s also convenient to get your flu shot at the same time.
Is it free?
Most private insurance plans, along with Medicare and Medicaid, will cover the cost of the Covid shots. Children can get free vaccines through a federal program. The CDC’s program that provided free Covid shots for uninsured and underinsured people won’t be renewed this year. However, the CDC has found $62 million in unused vaccine funds to help cover the cost for those who need it.
(With inputs from New York Times)
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2024-08-25T01:56:00Z dg43tfdfdgfd