RHODE ISLAND – Federal regulators have approved updated COVID-19 vaccines to better combat recent strains of the virus that contributed to a surge in cases in Rhode Island and across the country over the summer.
Late last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted emergency authorization for the latest mRNA vaccines, whose formulation targets a newer omicron variant called KP.2, or FLiRT. The authorization for this year’s vaccine came a little earlier than in previous years because most parts of the country are experiencing increased virus activity.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has already recommended vaccination for everyone 6 months and older this fall. And although various omicron strains such as KP.3.1.1 have also spread (and may become more common in the fall and winter), health officials said the
The variants are closely related enough that the 2024-25 COVID vaccines can provide mutual protection.
When will the vaccines be available and when should I get vaccinated?
Pfizer and Moderna will soon begin delivering millions of doses, while a third U.S. manufacturer, Novavax, expects its modified version of the vaccine to be available somewhat later.
CVS is now offering appointments for the new vaccine, and Walgreens will have appointments available starting September 6.
Keep in mind that the federal government is no longer purchasing and distributing COVID vaccines, so the shots are no longer free, but insurance carriers should cover most or all of the cost.
See also: Flu season approaches: Walgreens offers vaccinations nationwide
Dr. Robert Hopkins Jr. of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases said forgoing this new vaccine is “a risky proposition” because even if your last infection was mild, the next one could be worse or lead to long-lasting COVID symptoms.
Hopkins advised people at high risk for COVID to get vaccinated as soon as vaccinations are available in their area, provided they have not had the virus in the past three months or received another COVID vaccination in the past two months. This high-risk group includes older adults, people with weakened immune systems or other serious medical problems, nursing home residents and pregnant women.
Healthy adults and children “can get vaccinated at any time,” Hopkins said, adding that those people could wait until the fall – when local pharmacies and doctor’s offices have more doses and people could potentially get a flu shot at the same time as the updated COVID vaccine.
Vaccination coverage is declining nationwide. According to CDC data, only 22.6 percent of U.S. adults are currently protected by the 2023-24 COVID vaccine, which was introduced in September 2023. Vaccine
Protection has increased by age group. The highest vaccination rate is among adults aged 75 and over – however, the strain against which these vaccinations are directed is no longer in circulation.
Much of the country, including Rhode Island, is expected to see a surge in COVID-19 cases this summer, according to recent wastewater surveillance data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Communities can use wastewater samples to track the presence of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) to anticipate potential local spikes.
As of the last update on August 22, viral activity in wastewater for COVID-19 is at a “very high” level nationwide, and Rhode Island is at a “high” level.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
