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On September 12, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend updated COVID-19 vaccines to better protect against the viruses that are currently circulating – the new formulation is a monovalent vaccine with protection against variant XBB, which has been dominant recently. The CDC Director signed off immediately, which means the updated vaccines will start becoming available within the next several days.
A dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine is most important for people who are at the highest risk from COVID-19 infection – these groups get the most additional protection:
· Pregnant people, who are at higher risk for serious illness if they are infected and who pass immunity on to their newborns when vaccinated
· Older adults 65+
· People with immunocompromising conditions
· Anyone who has not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19
Pfizer and Moderna both have approved/authorized vaccines that will use this updated formulation, and Novavax has one currently being reviewed by the FDA.
Adults with health insurance can get a vaccine from their doctor or at a pharmacy. Check out the Vaccines.gov pages. Adults without health insurance or who cannot pay for a vaccine should go to vaccines.gov to find where they may get a free vaccine. (see Bridge Access Program information below).
Children with health insurance can get a free vaccine from their doctor, and children without health insurance can get a free vaccine at a VFC provider.
Find September 12 CDC media release here.
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