Cedars-Sinai Blog
New COVID-19 Vaccines Hit the Market
Following the summer COVID-19 surge, the Food and Drug Administration recently approved two updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines: Moderna (Spikevax) and Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty).
With the new shots hitting pharmacy shelves, many Americans are wondering whether they should get vaccinated, when to get their shots and whether previous vaccinations still provide some level of protection.
Here, Cedars-Sinai infectious disease experts answer your most pressing questions about the current COVID-19 vaccination recommendations.
Why do we need new vaccines?
Like any virus, SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, mutates and changes over time. Previous vaccines were formulated to target the XBB variant, which is no longer the predominant strain. The new vaccines use the same technology and manufacturing process, but they target the KP.2 variant, the variant most strongly implicated in the recent surge of cases.
“All of these strains are within the Omicron lineage, so older vaccines may still offer some protection,” said Gregory Marks, PharmD, clinical pharmacy specialist in infectious disease.
Who should get the new vaccine?
Everyone age 12 and older should receive a new vaccine. High-risk groups, including people over the age of 65 and those with risk factors for severe infection, remain the highest priority for vaccination, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The new formulations are approved for children over age 12 and authorized for emergency use in children 6 months of age and older.
Vaccination is the best way to protect against long COVID-19 in children and adults.
“People who get vaccinated are less likely to get infected and develop severe illness than those who haven’t been vaccinated,” said Marks.
When should you get a new vaccine?
The best timing for vaccination depends on your personal circumstances, risk factors for severe disease and when you were last infected or vaccinated. Marks emphasized the importance of talking through timing with your doctor.
“If you were recently infected or vaccinated, your doctor may recommend waiting up to three months to get the new vaccine,” he said. “You might even consider scheduling vaccination based on upcoming travel plans and holiday schedules.”
No matter which vaccine you get, or whether you’ve been naturally infected, it’s important to note that immune response to vaccines wanes over time.
“You receive the most protection within the first few months of vaccination,” said Jonathan Grein, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Cedars-Sinai. “But most people are still protected against severe infections several months later.”
Jonathan D. Grein, MD
Where can I get the new vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccines are no longer purchased and distributed by the federal government for free. However, health officials expect the new vaccine formulations to be widely available in pharmacy chains and doctors’ offices across the country.
Finding shots for infants and toddlers may be more challenging, since many pharmacies don’t administer them to young children, and pediatricians’ offices may not be able to keep them in stock. Vaccine locator services through the CDC, Moderna and Pfizer can help you identify a local retailer.
“People who get vaccinated are much less likely to get infected and develop severe illness than those who haven’t been vaccinated."
How much will it cost?
Most insurers are required to cover the cost of needed vaccinations. Shots administered by out-of-network providers may come with a cost, so it’s important to ask your provider about pricing.
The government-funded Bridge Access Program, which provided free COVID-19 vaccines to the uninsured and underinsured, ended in August, but you may be able to access free and low-cost vaccines through public health fairs and local clinics.
Can you get the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine together?
There is no harm in getting the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine during the same visit.
Manufacturers are working on a combination vaccine that will protect against both viruses with a single shot. Moderna recently reported promising results from early trials, which could lead to a combination vaccine as early as next fall.
What is the best way to prevent COVID-19?
Vaccination plays a key role in lowering your odds of developing COVID-19, but it’s important to take other precautions as well:
- Wash your hands.
- Bolster your immune system with a healthy diet, regular exercise and sufficient sleep.
- Wear a mask when traveling or in crowded spaces.
COVID-19 is less dangerous today than it was at the start of the pandemic because most people have some degree of immunity, either from previous infection or from vaccination. A new vaccine can help boost those existing defenses.
If you do get infected, taking Paxlovid can help prevent severe illness, but it’s important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the treatment, particularly since it interacts with several medications and herbal supplements.
“With every surge, we’re seeing lower rates of severe illness and fewer hospitalizations and deaths, and we’re hoping that trend will continue,” said Grein.
