New COVID Shots Will Be Available in September

The newest version of the COVID-19 vaccine will be available by the end of September, according to the CDC.

The updated vaccine still needs final sign-offs from the FDA and the CDC.

"We anticipate that they are going to be available for most folks by the third or fourth week of September," Director Mandy Cohen, MD, MPH, said on a podcast last week hosted by former White House COVID adviser Andy Slavitt. "We are likely to see this as a recommendation as an annual COVID shot, just as we have an annual flu shot. I think that will give folks more clarity on whether they should get one or not."

For people who are considering now whether they should get the currently available COVID vaccine or wait until the new one comes out, Cohen said that depends on a person's individual risk. People who are 65 or older or who have multiple health conditions should go ahead and get the currently available shot if it's been more than 6 to 8 months since their last dose. For all other people, it's OK to wait for the new version.

"If you have questions, talk to your doctor," she said.

Source: MEDspace