Updated version of Covid vaccine to roll out this fall

August 9, 2023

Updated versions of the Covid-19 vaccine and booster are set to be available by the end of September, after the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention green light them.

Three pharmaceutical companies—Moderna, Pfizer and Novavax—are set to offer the updated shots this fall. Both adults and children will be eligible for the vaccines and boosters.

The FDA is asking the vaccine manufacturers to switch to using only a single component in their formulas, which would target the XBB.1.5 Covid variant with the aim of broadening immunity. 

Even though some XBB descendants of have since emerged, scientists say these variants so far have been closely related, so the updated shot should offer adequate protection against Covid.

The FDA is expected to grant approval or emergency authorization for the new vaccines over the next two months, with Pfizer and Moderna likely getting the FDA’s licensure first, after finishing their submissions to the agency back in June.

Novavax plans to complete its submission for a new emergency use authorization within the coming weeks.

Currently, more than 270 million Americans, or 81% of the population, have received at least one dose of a Covid vaccine. Among them, 230 million, or 70% of the population, are considered fully vaccinated.

Medical experts are recommending that those at high risk for a so-called “tripledemic”—including the elderly, the pregnant or those with chronic health conditions—also get a flu shot and a vaccine against RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) as well as a Covid vaccine this fall.

Read more exclusive news from Political IQ.

 

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