As the summer months draw to a close, a familiar concern resurfaces: the need for updated COVID-19 vaccines. With the return of students to classrooms across the U.S., health officials are gearing up for yet another vaccination campaign. Following recent recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public is being urged to prepare for the availability of the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine, potentially as critical as annual flu shots.
Last month, the CDC announced that the upcoming vaccines will be tailored to tackle the JN.1 lineage of the virus, a notable offshoot of the Omicron variant. This new guidance aligns with the CDC's recognition that COVID vaccines will now follow a yearly update cycle, akin to the seasonal flu shots. Epidemiologist and ABC News contributor Dr. John Brownstein emphasized, "Now we're targeting annual vaccines for COVID-19 that is similar to flu. It's a reformulation based on what's circulating, and this is why we're talking about an annual campaign rather than a booster."
Eligibility for the updated COVID-19 vaccine is broad; the CDC recommends everyone aged six months and older receive the shot. For this campaign, vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna will be available for individuals six months and older, while those aged 12 and older can opt for the Novavax vaccine.
As for the timeline, updated vials from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are expected to hit the shelves sometime in August or September. Health experts advise that it is safe to administer the COVID-19 vaccine alongside other vaccines, such as the flu shot or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, should individuals qualify for those as well. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong from the University of California, San Francisco elaborated on this, stating, "We suggest probably using different [arms] so you don't exacerbate tenderness at the injection site, but essentially, you can get all three at the same time."
Regarding financial concerns, those covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance are set to receive coverage for the updated vaccines, a relief for many. However, a significant change on the horizon is the end of the CDC's Bridge Access Program in August 2024. This program had provided free COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured adults but will cease operations. Dr. Chin-Hong cautioned that individuals without insurance will now have to look towards various state safety net programs for their vaccination needs. Meanwhile, children without insurance can still access vaccines through the federally funded Vaccines for Children Program.
The incentive for getting vaccinated is strong. Data consistently underscore the vaccines' role in mitigating severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. Analysis published in September 2023 by the CDC projected that universal vaccination could prevent approximately 400,000 hospitalizations and 40,000 deaths over the ensuing two years. The urgency becomes even more paramount as Dr. Brownstein points out, "This virus is constantly changing, and protection from previous infection or from previous vaccines declines over time. Making sure that you receive the most updated formulations of the vaccine will ensure that you have the most recent protection, especially as we anticipate a surge in cases during the winter months."
To put things in perspective, 2023 saw upwards of 916,300 hospitalizations attributed to COVID-19, and nearly 75,500 fatalities linked to the virus. The flu season additionally took a toll, with more than 44,900 estimated deaths due to flu complications.
In parallel, the CDC has also recommended the updated flu vaccines for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. The updated flu vaccines will be trivalent, designed to protect against H1N1, H3N2, and a B/Victoria lineage virus, with an important modification to the H3N2 component. Ideally, individuals are encouraged to receive their flu shot in September or October, although early vaccinations in July or August can be appropriate in specific circumstances, particularly for pregnant women in their third trimester.
The new flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines offer a dual-layer of protection moving into the fall and winter virus season. Both health authorities and medical professionals stress that limiting transmission rates and hospitalizations hinges largely on vaccination uptake. Dr. Mandy Cohen, the CDC Director, reiterated this sentiment, urging families to prepare for a visit to the doctor in anticipation of the cooler months ahead: "Make a plan now for you and your family to get both updated flu and COVID vaccines this fall, ahead of the respiratory virus season."
Increasing variants of concern also shape the narrative around vaccinations. The CDC is actively monitoring new COVID-19 variants, with the KP.3 and LB.1 variants currently leading the way in circulation within the U.S. Recent data show KP.3 accounts for approximately 33.1% of positive COVID-19 infections, while LB.1 follows closely with 17.5%. Though both variants are notable, the CDC maintains that the symptoms associated with COVID-19 remain consistent with those identified earlier in the pandemic. Common indicators include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and other flu-like symptoms.
While fears surrounding the severity of some variants remain, available data indicates that no substantial evidence suggests LB.1 constitutes a greater public health risk. As stated by a CDC spokesperson, "There is currently no evidence that LB.1 causes more severe disease."
As the season transitions, the effectiveness of vaccines in reducing hospitalization and fatality rates cannot be overstated. Each year, vaccinations provide individuals with the best defense against diverse infections each virus season presents.
Those considering the updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines are encouraged to be proactive in their health decisions. Early discussions with healthcare providers can help demystify the vaccination process and clarify questions surrounding eligibility, potential side effects, and the importance of staying ahead of the evolving virus landscape. As we move towards another winter season, ensuring robust protection through vaccination can pave the way for healthier and safer communities.
