Topics

Posted 9/11/2023, 10:56:20 PM

CDC Weighs Pros and Cons of COVID Booster Recommendation for All Americans

The CDC is set to decide on Tuesday whether to recommend COVID-19 boosters for all Americans over 6 months old. Their committee will weigh the benefits of the updated Pfizer and Moderna boosters.
Some experts argue the shots should only go to high-risk groups, as most Americans already have immunity. Others say wide recommendation allows insurance coverage.
Uptake of boosters has been low so far. The shots' benefits are uncertain and may only provide a few months of increased protection.
The new boosters target Omicron subvariants, but it's unclear how well matched they are as strains continue evolving.
Recommendation debates center around who needs shots most - vulnerable populations or wider groups for insurance coverage and equity.

latimes.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/18/2023

Fall COVID shots will boost protection against latest subvariants, Moderna says

Main topic: Moderna's updated COVID-19 vaccine shows efficacy against omicron subvariants. Key points: 1. Moderna's updated COVID-19 vaccine boosts neutralizing antibodies against omicron subvariants EG.5 and FL.1.5.1. 2. The booster shot is expected to be authorized and rolled out soon. 3. The preliminary trial data aims to reassure concerns about the vaccine's effectiveness against current variants.

8/25/2023

CDC expects new Covid vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax to be available in mid-September

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax to be available to the public in mid-September, providing a more specific timeline for the arrival of the shots, pending approvals from the FDA and CDC.

8/25/2023

CDC says there are no plans to bring back mask mandates, even as Covid cases rise

The United States is still weeks away from distributing Covid booster shots, despite a 21.6% increase in hospitalizations related to the virus, and the effectiveness of the boosters against new virus variants remains uncertain.

8/26/2023

For subscribers: New COVID variant on the horizon shows virus' rapid evolution, as new booster nears

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects a new booster vaccine to be available next month, but its effectiveness against the highly mutated Pirola variant is uncertain.

8/27/2023

Covid cases are rising, just as new vaccines are almost ready

The U.S. is experiencing a rise in Covid cases just as new vaccines that protect against the latest variants are almost ready.

9/6/2023

Moderna says updated COVID vaccine is effective against newer variant

Moderna's updated COVID-19 vaccine is likely to be effective against the highly-mutated BA.2.86 subvariant of the coronavirus, according to clinical trial data, providing reassurance for fall boosters and regulators.

9/11/2023

FDA authorizes new Omicron-targeting COVID boosters from Pfizer, Moderna; shots could be available within days pending CDC approval.

Two new Covid shots from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have been approved by the FDA and are expected to be available soon as cases continue to rise in some parts of the US, with preliminary research suggesting they offer protection against the dominant variant and other concerning variants.

9/13/2023

Updated COVID Boosters With Omicron Target Now Available, But Demand Uncertain

Americans can now receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine to reduce the severity of symptoms, protect against current variants, and curb the risk of "long COVID."

9/13/2023

CDC Clears Updated Covid Boosters Targeting New Omicron Strains; Shots Available Free Within 48 Hours

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended updated Covid vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna for all Americans six months and older, with the first doses becoming available within 48 hours, as concerns rise about the spread of Covid in the fall and winter months.

9/13/2023

COVID Booster Uptake Uncertain Despite New Shots; Addressing Safety Concerns Could Boost Vaccination Rates

Attitudes about COVID-19 vaccinations in the US are shifting, with survey results showing that about 43% of adults plan to get the latest COVID-19 vaccine, similar to the uptake of the annual flu shot, although concerns about vaccine safety still persist.

9/14/2023

New COVID booster with updated protection now available in some N.J. locations

New COVID-19 vaccines recommended by the CDC are now available in select locations in New Jersey and will be accessible statewide in the near future, providing updated protection against the virus for individuals aged 6 months and older.

10/3/2023

FDA authorizes updated Novavax COVID vaccine targeting new Omicron strains, adds alternative to Pfizer and Moderna shots

The FDA has authorized Novavax's updated Covid vaccine for emergency use in individuals aged 12 and older, providing an alternative to mRNA shots from Pfizer and Moderna.

Topics

Posted 9/11/2023, 10:56:20 PM

CDC Weighs Pros and Cons of COVID Booster Recommendation for All Americans

The CDC is set to decide on Tuesday whether to recommend COVID-19 boosters for all Americans over 6 months old. Their committee will weigh the benefits of the updated Pfizer and Moderna boosters.
Some experts argue the shots should only go to high-risk groups, as most Americans already have immunity. Others say wide recommendation allows insurance coverage.
Uptake of boosters has been low so far. The shots' benefits are uncertain and may only provide a few months of increased protection.
The new boosters target Omicron subvariants, but it's unclear how well matched they are as strains continue evolving.
Recommendation debates center around who needs shots most - vulnerable populations or wider groups for insurance coverage and equity.

latimes.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/18/2023

Fall COVID shots will boost protection against latest subvariants, Moderna says

8/25/2023

CDC expects new Covid vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax to be available in mid-September

8/25/2023

CDC says there are no plans to bring back mask mandates, even as Covid cases rise

8/26/2023

For subscribers: New COVID variant on the horizon shows virus' rapid evolution, as new booster nears

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects a new booster vaccine to be available next month, but its effectiveness against the highly mutated Pirola variant is uncertain.

8/27/2023

Covid cases are rising, just as new vaccines are almost ready

The U.S. is experiencing a rise in Covid cases just as new vaccines that protect against the latest variants are almost ready.

9/6/2023

Moderna says updated COVID vaccine is effective against newer variant

9/11/2023

FDA authorizes new Omicron-targeting COVID boosters from Pfizer, Moderna; shots could be available within days pending CDC approval.

9/13/2023

Updated COVID Boosters With Omicron Target Now Available, But Demand Uncertain

Americans can now receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine to reduce the severity of symptoms, protect against current variants, and curb the risk of "long COVID."

9/13/2023

CDC Clears Updated Covid Boosters Targeting New Omicron Strains; Shots Available Free Within 48 Hours

9/13/2023

COVID Booster Uptake Uncertain Despite New Shots; Addressing Safety Concerns Could Boost Vaccination Rates

9/14/2023

New COVID booster with updated protection now available in some N.J. locations

10/3/2023

FDA authorizes updated Novavax COVID vaccine targeting new Omicron strains, adds alternative to Pfizer and Moderna shots

The FDA has authorized Novavax's updated Covid vaccine for emergency use in individuals aged 12 and older, providing an alternative to mRNA shots from Pfizer and Moderna.