Approval for updated COVID-19 vaccines is expected to be granted in the coming days. These new vaccines will be administered alongside flu shots and will help protect against a winter surge of respiratory viruses. COVID-19 hospitalizations have been increasing, although not as significantly as last year, and cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are already rising in parts of the Southeast. The updated COVID-19 shots have a new recipe, targeting the omicron descendant named XBB.1.5. The FDA will soon decide if the vaccines meet safety standards, and the CDC must sign off before vaccinations can begin. It is anticipated that the updated shots will offer cross-protection against the circulating coronavirus variants. In addition to COVID-19 vaccinations, the CDC recommends a yearly flu shot for individuals aged 6 months and older. The flu can also be particularly dangerous for certain groups, such as young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions. It is safe to receive both a flu shot and a COVID-19 shot simultaneously. Another vaccine being rolled out this fall is for RSV, a respiratory virus that can be severe in young children, older adults, and those with certain health conditions. Vaccines for RSV are approved for adults over 60, and the FDA has also approved Pfizer’s RSV vaccine to be given late in pregnancy. Additionally, babies can receive an injection of lab-made antibodies to protect against RSV. This fall will see a trio of vaccines available to help protect against these common winter viruses.
Source: theGrio [ Read More ]
