Fresh COVID-19 Vaccines Arriving Just in Time for Fall

As we dive into the autumn season, there’s a fresh batch of COVID-19 vaccines making their debut in the United States. These updated shots are gradually finding their way to select pharmacies, adding another layer of defense against the virus. CVS, for instance, is gearing up to stock these new vaccines in all its pharmacies by early next week, and some outlets might already have them in store. Meanwhile, Walgreens is opening up appointment scheduling today, with public appointments commencing next Monday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is strongly encouraging most Americans to roll up their sleeves for these updated COVID-19 vaccines. However, it’s worth noting that the CDC doesn’t specify whether at-risk populations or immunocompromised individuals should get priority access. What the CDC does emphasize is that getting vaccinated will significantly lower the risk of experiencing the lingering effects of Long COVID. This advice from the CDC comes in light of an eight percent increase in COVID-related hospitalizations this week.

The availability of these new vaccines follows the FDA’s recent decision to grant emergency use authorization for Pfizer-BioNTech’s Comirnaty and Moderna’s Spikevax shots. Additionally, the CDC has recommended Novovax’s booster, though it’s still awaiting the green light from the FDA. These vaccines hitting the shelves are essentially upgraded versions of the familiar Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, specially designed to shield against the latest omicron subvariant, known as the Omicron variant XBB.1.5, which happens to be the prevailing strain in the US.

But wait, there’s more. The CDC is also introducing a Bridge Access Program, generously allocating $1 billion to ensure that uninsured Americans can continue to receive COVID-19 vaccines free of charge.

Now, you might be wondering about the nitty-gritty details of how and when to get your dose. Well, the FDA clarifies that the timing and the number of doses you need will depend on the COVID-19 vaccines you’ve previously received. Brace yourself for a potential annual vaccine update, akin to how we handle seasonal flu shots. As for side effects, they can vary from person to person, but the CDC highlights that the most common ones include pain at the injection site, fatigue, muscle aches, and headaches.

And here’s a helpful tip: keep an eye on vaccines.gov later this week. This government website will be updated with real-time information on COVID-19 vaccine availability as they make their way to distribution centers. Using an interactive map, you can easily find out which boosters are being offered at local pharmacies near you. It’s a digital treasure map to a safer and healthier future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about COVID-19 Vaccines

More about COVID-19 Vaccines

• CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Information
• FDA Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19 Vaccines
• Vaccines.gov – Find COVID-19 Vaccines
• Pfizer-BioNTech’s Comirnaty
• Moderna’s Spikevax
• Novovax’s COVID-19 Vaccine
• Bridge Access Program by the CDC