Federal officials are set to approve updated coronavirus vaccines that target the latest virus variants by late next week, potentially making them available before Labor Day. The mRNA vaccines produced by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are anticipated to hit the market shortly after receiving Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, while a protein-based vaccine by Novavax may take longer to be released.
After the vaccines are approved, consumers can expect to receive shots at pharmacies within a week, with availability at doctors’ offices following shortly after. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends updated vaccines for everyone aged six months and older.
These new vaccines arrive at a time when a summer wave of COVID-19 cases is receding in certain regions, but the timing is seen as unfortunate for those looking to boost their immunity ahead of the school year or summer travel. Recently, many have debated whether to opt for an older vaccine for quicker, albeit limited, protection or wait for the newer version, only to find availability of the existing shots diminishing.
Kelly Moore, president of Immunize.org, noted that many vulnerable individuals who needed vaccination earlier are now anxious as the new shots roll out. Wastewater data indicates a rise in COVID-19 levels across the country, prompting concerns about the timing of the vaccine release.
Although the CDC considers the existing vaccines to still provide some protection against severe illness, they are less effective against newer variants now circulating. Manufacturers have ceased shipments of current vaccines, and a CDC locator tool for existing shots is temporarily down until the new formulations are available.
As of last year, the federal government stopped covering the costs associated with distributing COVID-19 vaccines, which means that some locations may not be covered by insurance, and free shots accessible to uninsured individuals will end soon.
Many people, such as Ron Miller from Oregon, have struggled to find vaccines as schools prepare to reopen. Others, like Scott Orshan from New Jersey, are concerned about their declining immunity as they prepare for the new school year.
Experts point out that while current vaccines may offer limited protection to the general population, they may still benefit older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Some healthcare providers are advising additional precautions, like wearing masks and avoiding crowded places, as they navigate vaccine availability.
With public interest in COVID-19 vaccinations dwindling, only a small percentage of Americans have received the most recent doses, leading officials and specialists to contemplate treating COVID-19 vaccinations similarly to flu shots, despite the differences in how the viruses behave.