Updated COVID-19 vaccines are set to receive approval in the coming days and will be administered alongside flu shots this fall, according to health officials. These updated vaccines will specifically target a new variant of the virus known as XBB.1.5, which has emerged since the original COVID-19 vaccines were developed.
Several pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax, have successfully produced supplies of the updated vaccines. However, their safety, effectiveness, and quality will be reviewed by the FDA before receiving approval from the CDC.
While Pfizer’s updated vaccine has already been authorized by European regulators for use in adults and children as young as 6 months, health officials are optimistic that these updated shots will offer protection against the current variants of the virus.
Vaccination against COVID-19 is highly recommended, especially for those who haven’t received a dose in about a year. Additionally, the CDC advises individuals, particularly high-risk groups like young children and the elderly, to get a yearly flu shot. Multiple types of flu vaccines, including a nasal spray version and three shots specifically recommended for seniors, are available.
It is safe to receive both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines simultaneously, health experts confirm. In terms of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), vaccines from GSK and Pfizer have been approved for adults aged over 60. The FDA has also given the green light to Pfizer’s RSV vaccine for use in late pregnancy. However, the CDC is expected to provide recommendations on whether RSV vaccines should be administered together with flu and COVID-19 shots.
In related news, the FDA has recently approved a new injection of lab-made antibodies called Beyfortus. This measure aims to protect infants from RSV, a common respiratory illness in young children.
With the impending approval of updated COVID-19 vaccines and the simultaneous administration of flu shots, health officials hope to provide comprehensive protection against these infectious diseases. It is essential for individuals to remain vigilant and follow the recommendations from healthcare authorities regarding vaccinations.
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