It could also be time to get your COVID-19 vaccine once more.
There’s a new shot that’s popping out to guard towards the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mentioned Tuesday that it was recommending the vaccine, which is being produced in variations by Moderna
MRNA,
(*5*)+1.58%
and Pfizer
PFE,
-BioNTech
BNTX,
for individuals 6 months of age and older.
Here are solutions to some widespread questions about the shot — and what it’s possible you’ll want to know earlier than you obtain it.
Why are we seeing one other vaccine?
These pictures are all about sustaining safety towards the virus as new COVID-19 variants emerge. The CDC mentioned: “The updated vaccines should work well against currently circulating variants of COVID-19, including BA.2.86, and continue to be the best way to protect yourself against severe disease.” The CDC additionally famous that “protection from COVID-19 vaccines and infection decline over time. An updated COVID-19 vaccine provides enhanced protection against the variants currently responsible for most hospitalizations in the United States.”
So, everybody who’s 6 months or older ought to obtain it?
That’s the CDC’s advice, however not everybody sees this shot as a agency requirement, relying on varied medical and different elements.
Dr. Paul A. Offit, a pediatrician with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia who focuses on infectious illnesses, advised MarketWatch that the new vaccine is a should for some who’re at greater danger for creating severe sickness, corresponding to people who find themselves over 75, individuals who have sure well being issues (together with diabetes, weight problems or continual lung or coronary heart illness) and people who find themselves immune compromised.
And what about the others? Offit mentioned it may be a case of “low risk, low reward.” Meaning there’s little hurt in getting the shot and it could purchase “a few months protection against mild disease,” Offit mentioned. But he stops in need of saying the vaccine is an absolute necessity for such individuals.
Still, CDC director Dr. Mandy Okay. Cohen counters such an argument. In a column for the New York Times, Cohen famous that each one the members of her household, together with her 9- and 11-year-old daughters, could be getting the shot. “Some viruses…change over time. This coronavirus is one of them. It finds ways to evade our immune systems by constantly evolving. That’s why our vaccines need to be updated to match the changed virus,” Cohen defined.
What if you happen to lately had COVID? Or have simply gotten the earlier COVID shot?
Offit mentioned it’s best to wait a minimum of two months — and presumably so long as 4 months — earlier than receiving the new vaccine.
The CDC mentioned, “You should get a COVID-19 vaccine even if you already had COVID-19,” including “you may consider delaying your next vaccine by 3 months from when your [COVID] symptoms started or, if you had no symptoms, when you received a positive test.”
Where are you able to get the new shot?
The CDC mentioned the vaccine “will be available…at most places you would normally go to get your vaccines.”
How a lot will it price?
The new pictures are anticipated to have record costs of $110 to $130, however the CDC mentioned, “Most Americans can still get a COVID-19 vaccine for free.” That is, most health-insurance plans will cowl the price.
As for these with out insurance coverage, the CDC mentioned there are nonetheless loads of free choices, together with applications run by native well being facilities and well being departments in addition to pharmacies collaborating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program. For extra info about the place to get the shot, go to Vaccines.gov.
