5 issues to know in regards to the new COVID-19 vaccine

Here are solutions to some frequent questions in regards to the shot — and what you could have to know earlier than you obtain it.

Why are we seeing one other booster?

Boosters are all about sustaining safety in opposition to the virus as new COVID-19 variants emerge. The CDC mentioned: “The updated vaccines should work well against currently circulating variants of COVID-19, including BA.2.86, and continue to be the best way to protect yourself against severe disease.” The CDC additionally famous that “protection from COVID-19 vaccines and infection decline over time. An updated COVID-19 vaccine provides enhanced protection against the variants currently responsible for most hospitalizations in the United States.”

So, everybody who’s 6 months or older ought to obtain it?

That’s the CDC’s suggestion, however not everybody sees this booster as a agency requirement, relying on numerous medical and different components.

Dr. Paul A. Offit, a pediatrician with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia who focuses on infectious illnesses, instructed MarketWatch that the brand new vaccine is a should for some who’re at greater threat for creating severe sickness, resembling people who find themselves over 75, individuals who have sure well being issues (together with diabetes, weight problems or power lung or coronary heart illness) and people who find themselves immune compromised.

And what in regards to the others? Offit mentioned it may be a case of “low risk, low reward.” Meaning there’s little hurt in getting the booster and it could purchase “a few months protection against mild disease,” Offit mentioned. But he stops wanting saying the booster is an absolute necessity for such folks.

Still, CDC director Dr. Mandy Ok. Cohen counters such an argument. In a column for the New York Times, Cohen famous that every one the members of her household, together with her 9- and 11-year-old daughters, can be getting the booster. “Some viruses…change over time. This coronavirus is one of them. It finds ways to evade our immune systems by constantly evolving. That’s why our vaccines need to be updated to match the changed virus,” Cohen defined.

What if you happen to not too long ago had COVID? Or have simply gotten the earlier COVID booster?

Offit mentioned you must wait at the very least two months — and presumably so long as 4 months — earlier than receiving the brand new vaccine.

The CDC mentioned, “You should get a COVID-19 vaccine even if you already had COVID-19,” including “you may consider delaying your next vaccine by 3 months from when your [COVID] symptoms started or, if you had no symptoms, when you received a positive test.”

When and the place are you able to get the brand new booster?

The CDC mentioned the vaccine “will be available by the end of this week at most places you would normally go to get your vaccines.”

How a lot will it price?

The new pictures are anticipated to have record costs of $110 to $130, however the CDC mentioned, “Most Americans can still get a COVID-19 vaccine for free.” That is, most health-insurance plans will cowl the fee.

As for these with out insurance coverage, the CDC mentioned there are nonetheless loads of free choices, together with packages run by native well being facilities and well being departments in addition to pharmacies taking part within the CDC’s Bridge Access Program. For extra details about the place to get the booster, go to Vaccines.gov.