The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that most Americans aged six months or older receive the new version of the Covid-19 vaccines that are specially designed to target the XBB lineage, the newest strains of the virus. The recommendation was given the final approval by CDC Director Mandy Cohen on Tuesday, following the authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday.
What are the XBB variants and why do we need new boosters?
The XBB lineage of coronavirus is a group of new variants that emerged in late 2022 and have become the most common type of coronavirus circulating in the United States. They are related to the omicron variant, which was first detected in South Africa in November 2021 and caused a global surge of infections and deaths. The XBB variants are more transmissible and more resistant to the previous versions of the Covid-19 vaccines, which were based on the original strain of the virus or its earlier mutations.
To combat the XBB variants, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have developed updated Covid-19 vaccines that are specifically tailored to target the spike proteins of these variants. The updated vaccines have shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials, with similar or better immune responses than the original vaccines. The updated vaccines also provide protection against other variants of concern, such as delta and lambda.
Who is eligible for the new boosters and how to get them?
The CDC has recommended that all Americans aged six months or older receive one dose of the updated Covid-19 vaccine at least six months after completing their primary vaccination series with any Covid-19 vaccine. This means that people who received two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, or one dose of Johnson & Johnson, can now get a booster shot with the updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine. The CDC also advised that people should get the same type of vaccine for their booster as they did for their primary series, unless they have a contraindication or a preference for another type.
The updated Covid-19 vaccines are expected to be available later this week at pharmacies and health care providers across the country, with meaningful supply starting next week. People can find a vaccination site near them by visiting vaccines.gov or texting their ZIP code to 438829. People can also call 1-800-232-0233 to get assistance in finding a vaccination site. The updated Covid-19 vaccines are free of charge for everyone, regardless of their insurance or immigration status.
What are the benefits and risks of getting the new boosters?
The main benefit of getting the new boosters is to increase the level of protection against Covid-19, especially against the XBB variants that are currently dominant in the U.S. The new boosters can also reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from Covid-19, as well as prevent transmission to others. According to the CDC, more than 95% of Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the U.S. are among unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people.
The risks of getting the new boosters are similar to those of getting any Covid-19 vaccine. The most common side effects are pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, as well as fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea. These side effects are usually mild and last for a few days. Serious adverse reactions, such as allergic reactions or myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), are rare and treatable. The CDC and FDA monitor the safety of Covid-19 vaccines closely and report any findings to the public.
What else can we do to fight Covid-19?
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect ourselves and others from Covid-19, but it is not the only way. We should also continue to follow public health measures, such as wearing masks, social distancing, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, washing hands frequently, and staying home when sick. We should also get tested regularly for Covid-19 if we have symptoms or exposure to someone who has Covid-19. We should also get vaccinated against other respiratory viruses, such as influenza and RSV, which can cause serious illness and complicate Covid-19 diagnosis and treatment.
Covid-19 is a dynamic and evolving situation that requires constant vigilance and adaptation. By getting vaccinated with the new boosters and following public health guidelines, we can help end this pandemic and save lives.