5 things to know about the latest covid-19 booster shots

Two weeks after the federal government approved covid-19 booster shots targeting the virus’ most dominant strain, clinics and health care providers in southwestern Pennsylvania are offering shots to eligible recipients. started.

The newly approved bivalent vaccine is the latest booster specifically targeting Omicron variants strains BA.4 and BA.5.

Moderna’s bivalent vaccine is licensed for all people 18 years and older who have had their last dose for at least 2 months. Her bivalent vaccine from Pfizer has been licensed for people aged 12 years and older and more than 2 months after her last dose.

Allegheny County Health Director Dr. Debra Bogen urged anyone who is eligible to get the vaccine to get it.

“Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and boosting your immunity is the most effective way to protect yourself from serious illness and death from the virus,” Bogen said on Tuesday. .

UPMC is Information dissemination started for bivalent booster dose scheduling, and AHN has started scheduling Bivalent booster. Westmoreland County’s Excela Health does not administer the covid-19 vaccine, Provides a portal. Patients can find vaccine providers.

Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease and critical care specialist based in Pittsburgh, shares what people need to know about the new immunizations, including whether the annual flu vaccine should be given at the same time. I said my thoughts.

question: Should people who get the next covid booster get their flu shots at the same time or is it too early for a flu shot?

answer: “For the flu vaccine to be most effective, it must provide protection throughout the season. , data show that it declines throughout the season, traditionally peaking in February.

“If possible, people should get their flu vaccine when it’s most affected. But if someone can only get the flu vaccine now, it’s better than never getting it.”

Q: What is this booster different from the previous one? What should people know about it?

A: “This booster includes protection against the ancestral strain of (covid-19) plus protection against the BA.4/BA.5 Omicron variant.”

Q: Should children who have had a particularly adverse reaction to the vaccine, such as myocarditis, receive a booster?

A: “In general, I think boosters should be targeted to those most likely to benefit. Also, with regard to the pediatric population, I think only high-risk children will benefit greatly from boosters. For children who have had myocarditis, enough time has passed since the last vaccination to minimize the risk.”

Q: Modern boosters have not been tested on humans. How do you know they are safe?

A: “The booster uses exactly the same technology as all other vaccines and there is no biological reason to believe it poses a safety concern.”

Q: Should everyone get the latest boosters?

A: “Again, we believe the boosters will benefit those at higher risk of serious illness, such as the elderly and those with comorbidities. Therefore, it is recommended that people at higher risk (especially those who have never been boosted) receive a boost.For the general healthy population, the benefits are marginal can be permanent and temporary (like the previous booster).