On Monday, the United States granted approval for COVID-19 vaccines with updated formulations designed to better target currently circulating variants, as COVID-19 infections are once again on the rise.
These newly approved vaccines are modifications of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, specifically tailored to address an Omicron sublineage. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that the benefits of administering these updated shots outweigh the associated risks for individuals aged six months and older.
Peter Marks, a senior FDA official, emphasized the critical role of vaccination in public health and ongoing protection against severe consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death.
Both Moderna and Pfizer have announced that they anticipate their updated vaccines to be readily available in pharmacies and clinics in the coming days.
A panel convened by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is scheduled to meet to provide clinical recommendations on who should receive these updated vaccines. The Biden administration has consistently advocated for annual COVID-19 boosters for most Americans, and it is expected that the CDC’s guidance will align with this policy.
This approach differs from much of Europe, where COVID-19 boosters are primarily recommended for the elderly or those at higher risk due to underlying medical conditions, as seen in countries like the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.
Moderna and Pfizer’s updated vaccines specifically target the variant XBB.1.5, which has largely receded in the United States. However, these vaccines are still effective against newer strains such as EG.5 and BA.2.86, according to the FDA.
While both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States ended their public health emergencies related to COVID-19 in May, Americans should continue to have access to these new vaccines at no cost through private insurance and government-subsidized programs.
Opinions among experts vary regarding the broad distribution of these new shots. Some advocate for widespread booster shots, believing they benefit all Americans, regardless of age or risk level. Others suggest a more targeted approach, focusing on at-risk groups like older individuals, to maintain public trust in public health initiatives. It’s worth noting that both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines carry rare risks of heart inflammation, particularly among young men.
While COVID-19 had a devastating global impact, causing nearly seven million deaths according to the WHO, vaccines, prior immunity, and improved treatments have made the virus more manageable. In the United States, excess deaths—deaths beyond what would be expected—have returned to near-normal levels since the spring.