New Covid booster provides better protection against newest variants; experts urge eligible people to get it ASAP before winter surge
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The new bivalent Covid-19 booster targets newer variants and provides more immediate protection against current strains. Experts recommend getting it as soon as possible.
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Models forecast hospitalizations will likely double by December. The virus is evolving to have more immune escape, making people susceptible to reinfection.
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Uptake of the new booster could prevent thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations this winter. Most people currently have no vaccine protection.
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Those vaccinated months ago should get the new booster right away. Waiting longer provides no benefit.
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People recently infected or boosted may wait 2-3 months to extend protection, but high risk individuals should shorten the waiting period.