The new COVID vaccine is out which contains the original Wuhan strain (which is what the original Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J vaccines including the two boosters contained) as well as the two variants of the Omicron strain called BA.4 and BA.5. It is called a “bivalent vaccine” because of containing those two different strains. In the spring and summer of this year, the BA.5 was the predominant strain, and many contracted this in April, May, and June, even when double boosted with the original Wuhan strain vaccines
As of now, recommendations from the CDC are that older age groups and people who are immunocompromised or have underlying health conditions should receive the vaccine. Also, anyone over 12 who is concerned about COVID during the fall and winter months and wishes to have the new vaccine may do so.
Given this virus continues to mutate, annual COVID vaccines will likely be the new norm just as the influenza vaccine is an annual vaccine. There will also likely be a hybrid vaccine down the road containing the flu as well as the most recent COVID vaccine in an attempt to kill two birds with one stone (I always wondered about that statement as who really goes out and throw rocks at birds? I’ve never done it, but I imagine it is a difficult venture and hitting two even more so. This is what happens when I have too much time to think!)
One other piece of information is that the Novavax vaccine which does not utilize mRNA genetic material and instead uses a traditional protein-based vaccine has been FDA-approved for those as an option for individuals who have never been vaccinated and have concerns about mRNA inoculations. It is currently in the process of FDA approval for booster doses for those who have previously received the mRNA vaccines.
October is rapidly approaching and now is the time for those who wish to get the annual flu vaccine to get it from their physician or pharmacy. The same holds for the new COVID bivalent vaccine.
I will keep you up to date on all things COVID as new developments in new strains or vaccines becomes available.
