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Common illnesses like influenza and RSV diseases have really hit Americans in recent years. As a result, the country is preparing for another wave that usually occurs during the fall and winter.
New Covid vaccines are expected to arrive by this time in the US due to the increase in infections due to a new strain and here is everything you need to know about the vaccines that will keep you protected in the event of an outbreak.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the new booster is designed to attack the XBB lineage of the Omicron variant. Experts say this new vaccine has been updated to also be effective against the COVID EG.5 variant.
The booster will hit US markets in September. The best step to take before receiving this booster is to consult your GP first.
US regulators have already approved two RSV vaccines. According to the CDC recommendation, all infants younger than 8 months and young children up to 19 months should receive a new preventive treatment with monoclonal antibodies.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) vaccine advisory panel met in June and decided that the vaccines to be released sometime in September will be a monovalent vaccine targeting the Omicron subvariant.
“Until the fall update vaccine is available, those who have never been vaccinated or feel they need additional protection beyond their most recent vaccination might consider getting the currently available bivalent COVID vaccine in consultation with their health care provider,” according to the CDCs.
Here is the official advisory issued by the CDC:
- Everyone 6 years of age and older should receive an updated Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, regardless of whether they have received any original vaccines.
- People 65 years and older can receive a second dose of the updated vaccine from Pfizer or Moderna.
- People with moderate or severe immunosuppression may receive additional doses of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
- Children 6 months through 5 years of age may need multiple doses to be up to date, including at least one dose of the updated Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, depending on the number of doses they have previously received and their age.
Where can you get vaccinations in Florida?
- CVS Pharmacies: Appointments can be scheduled on CVS.com or on the CVS Pharmacy app.
- Walgreens: Go to walgreens.com or call 1-800-Walgreens or download the free Walgreens app.
- Walmart: visit walmart.com for information.
- Lee Health Physician Group: currently offering vaccine boosters for everyone. Adults without an appointment can sign up at http://www.leehealth.org/covid-19-vaccine. Shots are free but that will change in September when you will be billed. For children, an appointment is required.
- NCH Physician Group: does not offer COVID vaccine boosters. Refers patients to local pharmacies.
- Collier County Health Care Network: Go to healthcareswfl.org.
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