New COVID-19 vaccines now available
August 30, 2024
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the updated Moderna and Pfizer 2024 COVID-19 vaccines last week. These vaccines were designed to be effective against the KP.2 variant, a close relation to the KP.3.1.1 variant which is now predominant. The FDA is expected to also approve the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine soon. That vaccine is targeted at an earlier variant, JN.1, although some believe it will cause fewer adverse reactions.
Those who had a COVID infection this summer can wait three months from the time of their infection to get vaccinated, which could mean they will have more protection during the likely winter wave. However, current COVID-19 infection rates remain high across the country, so vaccination in August or September offers good protection for those who did not have a recent infection.
I am scheduled to get my COVID vaccination later this morning.
Here's a great guide to fall vaccines from Katlyn Jetelina, PhD, who writes Your Local Epidemiologist.
Implications for employers:
COVID-19 vaccinations have been shown to decrease risk of illness, hospitalization, cardiac problems, Long COVID and some short-term mental health issues.
Employers can include COVID-19 vaccinations in their flu clinics this fall. Most employer-sponsored clinics will only offer one of the available vaccinations.
Employers can also educate their employees about adult vaccinations. Here’s a link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) resource on promoting vaccination in the workplace.
Employers are required to offer COVID-19 vaccinations to members without cost sharing after the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP) recommends them, which is expected soon. Most employers will offer these without cost sharing even before the ACIP determination.
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Illustration by Dall-E