Updated Booster Optimized for Better Protection Against New COVID-19 Variants

September 21, 2022 8:00 AM

author:
University of Utah Health Communications

Information in Spanish

Influenza vaccines are updated every year because the flu virus is constantly evolving. Influenza is being monitored around the world to develop better vaccines and ultimately better protect people. this is new, FDA approved COVID-19 booster.

These updated boosters are intended to provide optimal protection against current virus strains. The new booster contains an updated bivalent formula that boosts immunity against the original strain of coronavirus and protects against the new Omicron variants that are causing most COVID-19 cases today.

CDC recommends that everyone receive updated boosters as soon as they are eligible. One reason is that the number of COVID-19 cases typically spikes in the fall and winter. During these seasons, the cold forces people indoors, increasing the transmission of viruses from person to person.Updated boosters include BA.4 and BA.5 An Omicron lineage that is expected to continue to circulate for the next few months.

When will I get the latest COVID-19 booster?

The latest COVID-19 boosters from Pfizer-BioNTech (available for ages 12+) and Moderna (available for ages 18+) are free and readily available at retail pharmacies and local health departments across the US I can do it.Vaccines can be found by visiting a provider near you vaccine.gov Or call 1-800-232-0233.

The booster should be given at least 2 months after the last vaccination for COVID-19, whether it has been 2 months since the last booster or after completing the primary vaccination series.you can use this online tools Find out when you can get boosters.

For those over the age of 12, the updated booster replaces the original (monovalent) booster. Children aged 5 to her 11 can receive original boosters.

What would you do if you had COVID-19? Still need boosters?

CDC recommends getting the latest boosters for extra protection, even if you do get COVID-19. This is because innate immunity varies from person to person and declines over time. A booster vaccination is recommended 3 months after testing positive for the virus.

I am immunocompromised. When should I get my boosters?

CDC updated COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster Shot Recommendations People with moderate to severe immunodeficiency (See CDC list for eligible medical conditions).you can use this online tools Find out when you can get boosters. However, we recommend consulting with a professional provider first to determine if additional doses or booster shots are needed at this point.

How well do the updated boosters work?

Multiple studies show that COVID-19 vaccination It works well To prevent the worst consequences of illness: serious illness, hospitalization, and death.These studies also show protection from vaccines fade over timeTherefore, even people who have been vaccinated may have mild to moderate COVID-19.

But research also shows that the boosters boost the immune response and provide additional protection against disease. There is also evidence. Better protection Against COVID-19 than the original booster. Public health officials won’t fully know how well the new and updated boosters will work until they can measure how well people are protected against variants of the virus currently circulating. .

Similar to getting the annual flu shot, it is expected that new COVID-19 boosters tailored to protect against the virus causing most COVID-19 cases at that time will be needed on a regular basis. will be

Stay up to date Using COVID-19 vaccines and boosters is the safest and best way to restore protection that has fallen since previous vaccinations and provides better protection against new variants.