The FDA Approves Updated Covid Vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for the updated Covid vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna. This development paves the way for the vaccines to be administered to Americans within a few days, as the number of Covid-related hospitalizations in the country continues to rise.

Novavax’s Covid Shot Decision Still Pending

However, the FDA has yet to make a decision regarding the updated Covid shot developed by Novavax.

Approvals and Authorization Details

The newly approved vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are authorized for individuals aged 12 and above. Emergency use authorization is granted for children aged 6 months to 11 years old. The FDA emphasizes that last year’s Covid boosters from these companies are no longer authorized in the United States.

Recommendation from CDC and Advisory Panel

Before the vaccines can be administered, they still require a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). An advisory panel from the CDC is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to vote on the vaccine recommendation.

Reassurance Amid Rising Covid Cases

The arrival of the updated vaccines provides some reassurance to the American population amidst the surge in Covid cases and hospitalizations. Although the vaccines may not specifically target the current dominant variants, the manufacturers assure that they still offer protection against these strains, especially as children return to school and the weather gets colder.

Availability and Administration

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla states that the new vaccine will be available in the coming days, pending approval from public health authorities. He suggests that individuals can inquire about receiving the updated Covid shot during their annual flu shot appointment, saving time and potentially preventing severe disease later on.

Protection Against Emerging Variants

Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax have shared early trial data indicating that their updated vaccines provide protection against emerging variants of the virus, including the highly mutated omicron subvariant BA.2.86.

Shift to Private Market Distribution

The upcoming vaccine rollout marks the first distribution since the end of the U.S. Covid public health emergency. With the expiration of the declaration in May, the federal government will now shift vaccine distribution to the private market. Manufacturers will sell their updated shots directly to healthcare providers at higher prices. However, private insurers and government payers like Medicare are expected to provide the vaccines to individuals at no cost.

Biden Administration’s Efforts

The Biden administration plans to encourage Americans to receive the updated Covid shot this fall. Vaccination remains the safest protection against hospitalization, long-term health issues, and death. The administration aims to provide free Covid shots to uninsured individuals through initiatives like the Bridge Access Program.

Americans’ Response to Boosters

It remains uncertain how many Americans will choose to receive the updated Covid shot in the coming months. Since the approval of Pfizer and Moderna’s boosters in September last year, only around 17% of the U.S. population, approximately 56 million people, have received them, according to the CDC.