COVID-19: US approves updated vaccines

As infections are once again on the rise, the United States on Monday approved COVID-19 vaccinations with formulations that more precisely target presently circulating strains.

The revised vaccines manufactured by Moderna and Pfizer that fall under the Omicron sublineage are the subject of the new approvals. The Food and Drug Administration concluded that for people six months of age and older, the advantages of getting the shots exceed the dangers.

 “Vaccination remains critical to public health and continued protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death,” senior FDA official Peter Marks said.

In statements they issued, both businesses stated that they anticipated their vaccinations becoming widely accessible in pharmacies and medical facilities soon.

To provide clinical advice on who should receive the new immunizations, a panel assembled by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention will meet tomorrow.

However, the administration of President Joe Biden has continuously advocated for annual COVID boosters for the majority of Americans, and it is anticipated that the CDC would provide similar advice.

Contrary to much of Europe, where boosters are typically advised for the elderly or those at higher risk due to underlying medical issues, such an approach would be in conflict with it.

For instance, this is true in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.

The revised vaccinations from Moderna and Pfizers target strain XBB.1.5, which has already largely stopped being distributed in the United States. However, according to the FDA, it holds up well against more recent strains like EG.5 and BA.2.86.

American citizens should still be able to receive the new vaccines for free through private insurance and government-funded programs even though the WHO and the US discontinued their public health declarations of emergency in May.

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