In a recent decision, an expert panel has unanimously recommended that individuals of all age groups should have access to the newly updated COVID-19 vaccine. This recommendation follows the swift approval of the updated vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna by the Food and Drug Administration, along with the endorsement of the shots by the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The pharmaceutical companies responsible for manufacturing these vaccines have already initiated the distribution of the updated doses, following their FDA clearance. These vaccines have undergone revisions to target the latest variants of the COVID-19-causing virus, which has been evolving since its initial emergence in late 2019. While the specific variant targeted by these updated vaccines is no longer the predominant strain, research suggests that they remain effective against the current variants in circulation.
Presently, a variant known as EG.5 holds the majority share in COVID-19 cases within the United States, as per CDC data. However, this variant accounts for only about 22% of cases, with several other variants from the omicron family contributing significantly. These omicron variants started their global spread around Thanksgiving in 2021. The ongoing efficacy of vaccines can be attributed to their continued protection against the most recent variant, BA.2.86, which, while not widely prevalent in the U.S., has raised concerns due to its distinctive mutation profile.
Recent research presented during the advisory committee meeting highlights that vaccines continue to offer a safe and effective shield against COVID-19. The individuals who stand to benefit the most from these vaccines are those at the highest risk of severe disease, including older adults, infants under 6 months, pregnant individuals, and individuals under 65 with conditions that compromise their immune systems. This also extends to those taking immune-suppressing medications to manage conditions such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, or following organ transplants.
COVID-19 infections have been on the rise since early July, as indicated by data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hospitalizations have increased by nearly 16%, and deaths have risen by approximately 11% in the week ending Thursday, compared to the previous week, although these numbers remain considerably lower than previous peaks. It is important to note that the previously available bivalent vaccine, which has been accessible since last year, is no longer recommended in light of these developments.
