STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — With coronavirus (COVID-19) variants on the rise again, new vaccines are expected to be in drugstores and clinics by mid-September, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials announced.
CNN reported that the updated vaccines are the U.S. government’s preparation for the upcoming fall and winter respiratory virus season.
While the FDA is excited to seek the approval of the updated vaccine, the CDC will examine the safety and effectiveness of the new shots, the report states.
Once the director of the CDC signs off on the updated vaccine, the shots can be administered across the country.
The new vaccine booster comes just as new variants are picking up speed and most Americans start spending more time indoors.
The new COVID subvariant EG.5 continues to be a dominant strain in the United States, another variant — FL.1.5.1 — is causing particular concern in the Northeast, and those who are vulnerable should wear a mask and be cautious, Dr. Jessie Saverimutto told SILive.com.
In fact, FL.1.5.1 is leading the way on Staten Island, according to Saverimuttu, but the anticipated COVID booster shot can handle it, doctors say.
The Advance/SILive.com previously reported that this vaccine would be different than the bivalent booster.
Everyone — even those who have not previously been vaccinated against COVID-19 — should roll up their sleeves for the new booster, according to the CDC and New York City medical experts.
CNN reported that the FDA plans to grant licensure for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for people 12 and older; children 11 and under will be vaccinated under an emergency use authorization only, the report states.
Under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans are required to cover the full cost of vaccines, without co-pays, the report states. Those without insurance can still get vaccines for free through a government bridge program.
The CDC has yet to announce when exactly the…
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