CDC Recommends Updated COVID-19 Vaccinations for All Ages
In a significant development in the battle against COVID-19, CDC Director Mandy Cohen has officially advised that individuals aged six months and older should receive updated COVID-19 vaccinations. This guidance follows the approval of modified injections by the CDC’s vaccination advisory council.
Updated COVID-19 Vaccinations: Who Can Get Them
Expanded Eligibility:
Recent FDA regulations now allow anyone aged six months and older to receive updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations.
Age-Based Choices:
Individuals aged five and older, provided it has been at least two months since their last vaccination, can choose between the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines.
Young Children:
Children between six months and four years, depending on their vaccination history, can receive either one or two doses from either manufacturer. Those who have never been vaccinated can opt for three shots from Pfizer-BioNTech or two from Moderna.
Immune Compromised:
Individuals with compromised immune systems may be eligible for one or more new vaccinations.
Pricing and Insurance Coverage
Vaccine Costs:
The prices for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are $120 and $129 per dosage, respectively.
Insurance Coverage:
Private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare will cover the updated vaccination for those recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The government Vaccines for Children program will ensure uninsured children have access. The White House is also pursuing funding through the Bridge Access Program for uninsured individuals.
Non-mRNA Vaccine Pending FDA Approval
The FDA is reviewing evidence from Novavax, and if approved, it would become the only non-mRNA shot available for individuals aged 12 and older.
Current COVID-19 Situation
While the exact number of COVID-19 cases is unknown since the CDC stopped individual case tracking after the public health emergency ended in May, hospital admissions have risen throughout the summer. Over 18,800 COVID-related hospitalizations were recorded by the CDC last week, with a 9% increase from the previous week. Despite fluctuations, COVID-related deaths in August remained relatively low compared to previous years.
XBB Subvariants and Vaccination
The XBB1.5 strain and other XBB subvariants are responsible for severe illness and hospitalization, prompting the development of new COVID-19 vaccines to guard against these variants. As of September 2, these subvariants account for more than 90% of circulating cases, including EG.5 and FL.1.5.1.
Annual COVID Shots and Upcoming Considerations
The necessity of annual COVID vaccinations is still under discussion. The CDC includes COVID shots along with flu and respiratory syncytial virus vaccines in its autumn respiratory vaccination campaign. The advisory council debated whether to recommend these shots universally or only for high-risk individuals. Some favored more data, especially for young and healthy individuals, but universal recommendations were chosen to increase accessibility.
Not all public health experts agree on the need for annual doses, with some arguing that earlier immunization and exposure to the virus provide lifelong immunity against hospitalization.
FAQs Choosing The Right Vaccines COVID, Flu, And RSV Options
1. Who is eligible for the updated COVID-19 vaccinations according to the CDC’s guidance?
The CDC recommends updated vaccinations for individuals aged six months and older.
2. Can children receive updated COVID-19 vaccinations, and if so, which ones?
Yes, children aged five and older, depending on their vaccination history, can receive either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines. Younger children have options based on their vaccination status.
3. Will insurance cover the updated COVID-19 vaccinations?
Private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare will cover the updated vaccination for those recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Uninsured children can access vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program.
4. Are annual COVID shots necessary, and why is the CDC including them in its vaccination campaign?
The need for annual COVID shots is still debated. The CDC includes them in the campaign alongside flu and respiratory syncytial virus vaccines to provide options. Universal recommendations aim to make vaccinations more accessible.
