One Less Excuse for NOT Getting COVID-19 Vaccination!
There is HUGE news that hit the COVID-19 vaccination scene today, April 18, 2023. The FDA adopted a new protocol for vaccination. The new vaccination protocol simplifies the process and lessens the confusion around when, which vaccine, and how many shots are required for most individuals to be appropriately protected. The current Pfizer and Moderna bivalent vaccinations have been available and used as boosters since September 2022. By definition, each bivalent is a mixture of that manufacturer’s two vaccines, which provided protection against both the original and the omicron BA.4/BA.5 strains of the COVID-19 virus. On-going studies and real-world experiential data have proven the bivalents to be effective as stand-alone, single-dose vaccinations. Bivalent vaccines are to be used for all vaccinations “for people six (6) months of age or older, including for an additional dose or doses for certain populations” (detailed below). Since the updated studies and analyses have now shown that the Moderna and the Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent vaccines are comparable, the confusion around “primary doses” and “boosters” is now eliminated. If you have already had one bivalent injection, unless you are over 65 years of age or severely immune-compromised, consider yourself protected at the current time. Today the FDA also revoked the authorization for the original Pfizer and Moderna (monovalent) vaccines.
The following provides details of the new FDA COVID-19 vaccination recommendations:
A person who has only had monovalent vaccine(s) should receive one (1) bivalent vaccine (unless age 65 or older).
If you are younger than the age of 65 and have received a single dose of a bivalent vaccine, you do not currently require another dose of a bivalent vaccination.
If you are 65 years of age or older and it has been more than four (4) months since your single bivalent vaccination you should get a bivalent vaccination. (Studies have shown that immunity after vaccination wanes faster in individuals 65 years of age and older).
If you have had a bivalent vaccination and are immunocompromised, you are eligible for a bivalent vaccination two (2) mo. after a prior bivalent. The eligibility of immunocompromised children 6 month through 4 yrs. of age depends on the previous vaccine received (ask your healthcare provider).
For unvaccinated children, ages six mo. through five yrs., there remains a bivalent Moderna vs. Pfizer difference. These children may receive two age-specific doses of Moderna (6 mo. through 5 yrs.), or three age-specific doses of Pfizer (6 mo. through 4 yrs.) Five yr.-old children can get two doses of Moderna bivalent or a single Pfizer bivalent.
For children ages 6 mo. through 5 yrs., who have had dose(s) of a monovalent, the number of bivalents will depend on their vaccination history.
These simplified changes are touted to incentivize vaccination, considering that only a paltry 17% of eligible Americans have received a bivalent injection. It seems astounding, but it is indeed THE unfortunate number according to the CDC. Speculation regarding the reason(s) this is the case is not necessary, because there is data available regarding vaccine hesitancy. For instance, a study out of the Medical University of South Carolina revealed that two of five factors were the main reasons. Respondents to the survey stated that a lack of trust in the science and their providers, and the lack of an ethical obligation to take the vaccination to protect their community were the main drivers. The questions of whether the vaccines were necessary for their health; vaccine affordability and accessibility; and an assessment of the risk of getting sick from the disease were less reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Although it is difficult to overcome the lack of trust and the apparent American “individualism,” we must faint not. More strains of this SARS-CoV-2 virus are on the horizon. The FDA in fact plans to make recommendations for future vaccinations before this fall. The more people decide to get protected, the less likely we will be faced with a strain that is vaccine resistant. The transition to a single injection is a step in the right direction against vaccine hesitancy. Unfortunately, too many Americans are not taking actions for the common good.
Help protect yourself and those around you by getting current with your COVID-19 vaccination!!
