Pfizer & Moderna: Get Updated COVID-19 Vaccine & Flu Shot Together This Fall
Pfizer and Moderna urge Americans to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine alongside their flu shot this fall. The CDC recommends it for everyone aged 6 months and above, with the new booster offering protection against circulating subvariants like Eris and Pirola. COVID-19 hospitalizations have risen recently, reaching over 18,000 in early September.
The CDC's advisory panel voted to recommend the updated COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older. These vaccines target the Omicron XBB.1.5 variant and should provide protection during the fall and winter, barring significant variant changes. They are approved for people 12 years and older, and authorized for children aged 6 months through 11 years.
With the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, vaccines will no longer be free for all Americans. However, many will still have access at no cost through various programs. Initially, essential workers will be prioritized ahead of those aged 65 and older, based on a 2020 recommendation.
The updated COVID-19 vaccines should be available before the respiratory season, when the coronavirus, seasonal flu virus, and RSV are circulating simultaneously. Getting the updated vaccine alongside your flu shot is encouraged to protect against these viruses. Stay informed about your local availability and prioritization for the new booster.
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