Updated COVID-19 Vaccines and RSV Protection Rolling Out This Fall

Strategic Insights -

As the United States prepares for another challenging respiratory season, health officials are optimistic that updated COVID-19 vaccines and new RSV protection will help keep hospitalizations and cases under control. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising the public to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu, and to consider RSV vaccines, particularly for older adults and pregnant women.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FDA has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines, which will target the omicron descendant XBB.1.5, in addition to the original coronavirus strain and an earlier omicron version.
  • Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax have brewed new supplies of the updated vaccines, which will offer crossover protection against the most common coronavirus variants.
  • Health officials are optimistic that the updated vaccines will be effective, but emphasize the importance of continued booster shots to maintain protection over time.
  • The CDC urges a yearly flu shot for everyone ages 6 months and up, with the best time being by the end of October.
  • There are multiple kinds of flu vaccines available, including a nasal spray version for younger people.
  • Seniors have three shots specifically recommended for them that have proven to do a better job of revving up their immune system.
  • The CDC recommends getting a flu shot and COVID-19 shot at the same time, with no difference in effectiveness or side effects.
  • RSV vaccines from GSK and Pfizer are approved for adults 60 and older, while Pfizer's RSV vaccine has been approved for late pregnancy to pass protection to newborns.
  • CDC recommendations on whether RSV vaccines should be given together with flu and COVID-19 shots are still to come.
  • The FDA has approved a new RSV prevention treatment called Beyfortus, from Sanofi and AstraZeneca for all infants younger than 8 months before their first RSV season

Statistics:

  • COVID-19 hospitalizations have been steadily increasing since late summer, but not as much as this time last year.
  • RSV is already on the rise in parts of the Southeast.
  • The CDC is planning to meet on Tuesday to make recommendations on how best to use the latest COVID-19 vaccines.
  • European regulators authorized Pfizer's updated vaccine for this fall, for adults and children as young as 6 months.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said they are expecting a "tripledemic" with COVID-19, flu and RSV this fall.
  • COVID-19 vaccinations will have to be updated "soon" according to Dr. Cohen.

Sources:

  • AP Medical Writer Carla K. Johnson contributed to this report.
  • The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group.
  • The AP is solely responsible for all content.