On August 22, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the latest COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. These new vaccines mark the third update since the original series, ensuring they match the currently circulating strains. The vaccines are expected to be available just in time for the upcoming flu season.
The significance of the new vaccines is amplified as the US grapples with a summer wave of COVID infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID cases and emergency room visits have been on the rise since mid-May, with hospitalizations following suit.
How Are The New Vaccines Different?
The newly approved Pfizer and Moderna vaccines target the KP.2 strain, a descendant of the JN.1 variant that spread widely last winter. Although both of these have mostly faded, their sister strains—KP.3.1.1 and KP.3—now dominate. Experts anticipate that these vaccines will protect against severe illness, even if their effectiveness against newer strains remains uncertain.
Pfizer’s data shows a significantly improved immune response against various circulating variants, including KP.3. Minor sequence differences between these variants shouldn’t change the overall protection, according to Dr. John Moore, a professor of microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Who Should Get The Updated Shots?
The CDC recommends that everyone aged six months and older should get the updated vaccines. However, deciding when to get vaccinated may vary based on individual risk factors. For those at high risk—such as individuals over 65 or those with weakened immune systems or underlying conditions like heart disease—experts advise getting the vaccine as soon as it’s available.
For younger, healthier people, the time may be more flexible. Dr. Paul Sax, an infectious disease expert at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, suggests waiting until October when flu vaccines are typically administered. This strategy could provide optimal protection through the winter when COVID cases usually spike.
Timing Your Vaccine For Maximum Protection
For those who’ve recently had COVID, the CDC suggests delaying vaccination by three months. This allows time for natural immunity to provide a boost. Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, a Yale immunologist, cautions that high levels of antibodies from a recent infection may interfere with the vaccine’s effectiveness if administered too soon.
The timing question is more pressing this year since the vaccines are available earlier than usual. For those at high risk, getting the vaccine as soon as possible remains the safest bet, while others may benefit from waiting a couple of months.
What To Expect: Side Effects And Costs
Common side effects of the new COVID vaccines include injection site pain, tiredness, headache, and muscle pain—similar to past versions and flu shots. More severe reactions are rare.
While Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are charging up to $150 per dose, most insured Americans won’t face out-of-pocket costs. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans will cover the vaccines, though some older or short-term plans may not. Uninsured children can access free vaccines through government programs, while uninsured adults may have limited options once current funding runs out.
With these new vaccines on the horizon, Americans have a crucial tool to help protect themselves as the virus continues to evolve. Whether you’re at high risk or just seeking peace of mind, planning your vaccination strategy now could make all the difference this fall and winter.
Resources:
CDC: Clinical Guidance for COVID-19 Vaccination
Mayo Clinic: Get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines
Vaccines.gov
References:
NBC News: FDA approves the new Covid vaccine. Here’s the best time to get it.
Vox: What you need to know about the new Covid-19 vaccine
