New COVID vaccines should be available for the anticipated winter wave.
The Food and Drug Administration approved the new update vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna for people 6 months and older.
The newest variant, KP.3.1.1, is the predominant and only major variant increasing in proportion nationally, according to the CDC, which reports it made up about 40% of the cases in the United States between August 3 through August 17.
KP.3.1.1 is part of a JN.1 sub-variant, so updated vaccines should protect against the circulating variant. Similar to JN.1 and its sub-variants, KP.3.1.1 descends from the Omicron variant that surged cases and deaths in late 2021.
The new vaccines are designed to target the most dominant recent strains of the virus and protect against serious illness. Getting the shot now will offer protection in advance of the anticipated winter surge and other respiratory illnesses that become more prevalent as people congregate indoors.
When will the new vaccines be available to the public?
Walgreens and CVS, two of the largest chains, previously told USA TODAY shipments of the vaccines could arrive a few days after Thursday’s FDA approval.
Are vaccines still necessary?
The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for all people over the age of 6 months to protect against serious illness.
COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths are nowhere near the levels they reached early in the pandemic. However, an infection still presents serious risks to many. Last season, more than 916,300 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, and 75,500 died from the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
How contagious is the new COVID variant?
The period of most contagiousness for COVID is generally up to 10 days after the onset of symptoms, but it can vary depending on severity of symptoms or differing immune systems, per the National Health Service.
People experiencing mild COVID symptoms can be contagious for approximately five to seven days, whereas those with more severe symptoms or those with a weakened or compromised immune system can be contagious for up to 20 days.
COVID KP.3.1.1 variant symptoms
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Fever or chills
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Cough
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Sore throat
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Congestion or runny nose
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Headache
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Muscle aches
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Difficulty breathing
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Fatigue
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New loss of taste or smell
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“Brain fog” (feeling less wakeful and aware)
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Gastrointestinal symptoms (upset stomach, mild diarrhea, vomiting)
While the symptoms can be mild for those who gained immunity from prior infection or vaccination, many people are at higher risk of becoming very ill.
Symptoms may appear within 2-14 days after exposure.
Covid quarantine rules
In March, the CDC updated its COVID-19 guidance so people who test positive for the virus will no longer be directed to isolate at home for five days.
Health officials announced a new policy focusing on actions people can take to reduce spreading a variety of common respiratory viruses, such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19. Those actions include staying home when sick, staying up to date with vaccines, practicing good hygiene and improving indoor air quality.
Post-isolating includes taking more steps for cleaner air, such as opening windows or through the use of HEPA air filtration units, enhancing hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, and keeping a distance from others according to the CDC.
This article originally appeared on USATNetwork: New, updated COVID vaccines approved. Here’s when they’ll be available.
Source Agencies
