COVID Vaccine Update
KFF (formerly Kaiser Family Foundation) just published a survey that suggests that there is substantial interest in getting COVID-19 vaccines this fall. Twenty three percent said they would definitely get the vaccine, and another 23% said they would probably get the vaccine. This compares to just 17% of adults who received the fall, 2022 COVID-19 vaccine. A third (33%) said they intended not to get the vaccine. Almost two thirds (64%) of those over 65 said they would get vaccinated; the elderly are at highest risk for hospitalization and death from COVID-19.
Fewer than half of parents said they would get their children vaccinated (39% ages 12-17, 36% ages 5-11, and 34% ages 6 months to 4 years). This is unfortunate, as a study published this week in JAMA shows that in children 6 months to 4 years COVID-19 who received at least two COVID-19 vaccinations were 30% less likely to receive emergency or urgent care visits and had a 40% lower rate of any office visit.
The Food and Drug Administration this week authorized the use of the 2023-4 Novavax COVID-19 vaccination (Nuvaxovid), which is made with protein, like most other vaccines, rather than mRNA, like the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations. The advantages of the Novavax vaccine are that it is slightly less expensive, has a different mechanism which could theoretically increase effectiveness for those of us who have had many mRNA vaccinations, and seems to cause fewer immediate side effects. A report published in JAMA Network Open on October 4 showed this vaccine is 50% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 at four months, similar to the mRNA vaccines. The disadvantages are that the side effects of Nuvaxovid are not widely known yet as it hasn’t been given broadly in the community. The Novavax vaccine will likely be harder to find as many pharmacies and providers have already locked in their supplies from Pfizer and Moderna.
I got my COVID-19 and flu shots last week with the vaccine (Pfizer) that was offered at my local pharmacy. Vaccine access appears to have improved over the last week in much of the country, so if you were frustrated trying to get an appointment last week, try again!
Implications for employers:
Higher community levels of vaccination could lead to less workplace disruption this fall
Americans now have a larger choice of COVID-19 vaccinations
Employees who wish to obtain protection from COVID-19 vaccines prior to work travel or events with crowds should get this vaccination at least two weeks before the planned event/travel
Relatively few employers are offering COVID-19 vaccination clinics. For those that do offer such clinics, Novavax will be an attractive option.
Employers will see COVID vaccines as a new cost to their pharmacy and medical benefits with this season being the first not covered by the Federal Government. Vaccine prices range from $110-$130/dose.
Tomorrow: Vaccinations in pregnancy protect infants
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