In a significant development, advisors associated with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended updated Covid-19 vaccines for every American aged 6 months and older. This pivotal recommendation was made during a 13-1 vote by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a group of experts tasked with offering guidance on vaccine recommendations to the CDC.
For these recommendations to be implemented, they require official approval from Dr. Mandy Cohen, the Director of the CDC. Once this approval is granted, the updated vaccines are expected to become readily accessible at pharmacies within just 48 hours.
One of the key aspects of the committee’s endorsement is that it ensures these updated vaccines will be covered by both public and private insurance plans.
The primary focus of these updated vaccines is to target the current Covid-19 variants that are in circulation. Recent data from the CDC indicates a 9% increase in Covid-19 hospitalizations compared to the previous week, albeit still lower than the peak witnessed during the winter. Additionally, there has been a rise in weekly Covid-19 deaths in August. Clinical studies conducted by vaccine manufacturers have demonstrated the efficacy of the updated mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) in boosting antibody responses against the existing variants.
Here are some key recommendations put forth by the committee:
- Vaccination for Age 5 and Older: The committee recommends that all individuals aged 5 and older should receive at least one dose of an updated mRNA Covid-19 vaccine this year.
- Children Aged 6 Months to 4 Years: Children in this age group who are receiving their vaccines for the first time should get two doses of Moderna or three doses of Pfizer, with at least one of them being the updated 2023 version.
- Immunocompromised Individuals: Immunocompromised individuals are advised to have at least three doses, with one being the updated vaccine. They also have the option for an additional updated vaccine later.
As for whether seniors aged 65 and older will require another dose of the updated vaccine in the future, the committee has yet to make a determination.
Notably, this marks the first time that commercially available Covid-19 vaccines will be offered, with list prices ranging from $120 to $130 per dose. Most individuals with insurance coverage will receive vaccines at no cost, while uninsured individuals can access free vaccines through the government’s Bridge Access Programme. Furthermore, low-income children can receive free vaccines through the CDC’s Vaccines for Children programme.
The committee’s recommendations underscore the ongoing efforts to combat the ever-evolving landscape of Covid-19 and provide access to updated vaccines that target current variants. As the situation continues to evolve, staying informed about these developments and following vaccination guidance remains crucial in the fight against the pandemic.
