COVID Boosters: Experts Say New Vaccine Could Help as Weekly Hospitalizations Reach 20,000

As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rise again, there are new COVID variants to be aware of. The new COVID boosters from Moderna and Pfizer target the Omicron subvariant and have shown increased neutralizing antibodies against the EG.5 and BA.2.86 variants. These monovalent boosters are better matched for the circulating variants and have been effective in protecting against severe COVID and death. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older to get the updated shot, and major pharmacies are now booking appointments. Side effects are similar to previous vaccines, and it is possible to get the COVID booster at the same time as the flu shot. The vaccine should be fully covered by health insurance or available for free at participating health centers and pharmacies.