When Will COVID-19 Vaccines Be Available for Fall-Winter Season? Everything You Need to Know Amid the Surge

As the fall-winter season approaches, millions of Americans are eagerly awaiting the updated COVID-19 vaccines that promise better protection against the latest variants. On August 22, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency use authorization for these updated mRNA vaccines, which are designed to more closely target the currently circulating strains of the virus.

The Importance of Updated COVID-19 Vaccines

The long tail keyword for this article, “When will COVID-19 vaccines be available for fall-winter season?”, captures the urgency and widespread interest in this topic. With the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, particularly driven by the KP.3.1.1 variant, the updated vaccines are seen as a critical tool in preventing severe outcomes like hospitalization and death.

The KP.3.1.1 variant is currently the most prevalent strain in the United States, including Tennessee. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this variant accounted for 31% to 43% of COVID-19 clinical specimens between August 4 and August 17. In Region 4, which includes states like Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia, the prevalence was slightly lower but still significant, ranging from 31% to 42%.

Rising COVID-19 Cases in Davidson County

The situation in Davidson County, Tennessee, highlights the importance of vaccination as a primary defense against COVID-19. The Tennessee Department of Health reported 499 new COVID-19 cases in Davidson County for the week of August 4. Since May, the number of cases has been steadily rising, with a notable increase from 36 cases during the week of May 5 to 428 cases in July.

This alarming trend underscores the importance of staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, especially as immunity from previous vaccines or infections may have waned. Director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Peter Marks, emphasized that vaccination remains the cornerstone of COVID-19 prevention. “These updated vaccines meet the agency’s rigorous, scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality,” Marks said in a statement.

Who Should Get the Updated COVID-19 Vaccine?

The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older receive a 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine. This is especially important for people aged 65 and older, those at high risk for severe COVID-19, and individuals who have never been vaccinated. Given the waning immunity from previous vaccinations, staying up to date with the latest vaccine is crucial for maintaining protection against circulating variants.

The updated vaccines include the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, both authorized for people aged 6 months to 11 years. For those aged 12 and older, the approved vaccines include Comirnaty and Spikevax. The CDC advises that people who have previously been vaccinated should receive the updated vaccine at least two months after their last dose.

Availability of Updated COVID-19 Vaccines

Walgreens and CVS have announced that shipments of the updated vaccines could arrive just days after FDA approval. As of September 6, nationwide appointments will be available, with additional appointments added daily as inventory arrives at stores. You can schedule your vaccination by visiting Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine, using the Walgreens app, or calling 1-800-WALGREENS.

Number of Doses Required

The number of doses required depends on age and previous vaccination status:

• Unvaccinated individuals aged 6 months to 4 years: Eligible for three doses of the updated Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or two doses of the updated Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.
• Previously vaccinated individuals aged 6 months to 4 years: Eligible for one or two doses of the updated vaccines, depending on their previous vaccine.
• Individuals aged 5-11: Eligible for a single dose of the updated Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, administered at least two months after the last dose.
• Individuals aged 12 and older: Eligible for a single dose of the updated Comirnaty or Spikevax vaccine, administered at least two months after the last dose.

Access to Free COVID-19 Testing

Despite the focus on vaccination, testing remains an essential component of managing the pandemic. Free COVID-19 testing continues to be available for uninsured individuals or those who believe they have been exposed to the virus. You can find a testing site near you using the COVID-19 Testing Locator website, where you can schedule an appointment with a convenient provider.

Conclusion

With the fall-winter season rapidly approaching, the availability of updated COVID-19 vaccines is a timely and crucial development. As cases continue to rise, particularly due to the KP.3.1.1 variant, staying up to date with vaccinations is more important than ever. Whether you’re eligible for your first dose or a booster, these vaccines offer enhanced protection against the evolving virus, helping to safeguard your health during the colder months.

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