New updated COVID-19 vaccine available
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EmailFDA announces updated COVID-19 vaccine August 22, 2024.
On August 22, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration or FDA approved an updated COVID-19 vaccine. This update includes mRNA vaccines for both Pfizer and Moderna and addresses the Omicron KP.2 variant. The 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be available. Much like the influenza vaccine, the purpose of the updated vaccines is to help prevent and/or minimize complications of new variants.
These updated vaccines come at an opportune time to address the recent spike in COVID-19 the CDC reports in at least 27 states. The FDA anticipates yearly COVID-19 vaccines, assessed annually by the FDA.
Dosage and Timing
The FDA provides guidance regarding age and dosage for the updated Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. However, it is important to check with your healthcare provider if you have any questions regarding previous vaccine timing and dosages. If you are immunocompromised or have other health issues that may increase your susceptibility to infection, please check with your healthcare provider as well. The following guidelines apply to the new updated Moderna and Pfizer BioNTech vaccine.
- Ages six months to four years who have not previously been vaccinated are eligible for three Pfizer-BioNTech and two Moderna doses of the updated vaccine.
- Ages six months to four years who have been vaccinated previously are eligible for one or two doses. This depends on when the previous COVID-19 vaccine was received.
- Ages 5-11 years old are eligible for a single dose regardless of vaccine status. However, if they have received a previous dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, they must wait at least two months from their last dose before getting the updated vaccine.
- Ages 12 years and older are eligible for a single dose. However, if they have received a previous dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, they must wait at least two months from their last dose before getting the updated vaccine.
- For certain immunocompromised people six months to 11 years old, additional doses are authorized. Check the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech fact sheets or your healthcare provider for further information.
What to Expect After Getting the Updated COVID-19 Vaccine
As with past COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, there are possible side effects that are usually easily relieved with rest, fluids, and pain relievers after vaccination. Although side effects are typically minor, with some people not experiencing any, it is important to know that your body is still building protection against the virus. The CDC reports that the most common side effects may include:
- Pain, swelling, and redness where the shot was administered
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Chills
- Nausea
- Fever
Benefits of COVID-19 Vaccination
The CDC outlines the many continued benefits of getting vaccinated for COVID-19 including protection, prevention, and/or minimization of severe illness, hospitalization and death. Compared to those who are vaccinated, those who are not are much more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID-19.
If you would like to learn more, explore Michigan State University Extension’s Michigan Vaccine Project to find links to event schedules, podcasts, publications, webinars, and videos relating to vaccine education.
