September 02, 2022
CDC Recommendations on the New COVID-19 Vaccine to Protect Against Omicron Variant
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved new COVID-19 vaccine boosters that are targeted to combat the Omicron strain of the virus which is currently circulating across the U.S. and the world.
The Omicron strain is typically milder than earlier versions of the coronavirus, but it is also more contagious, so numbers have continued to remain high throughout 2022, but fortunately, the number of hospitalizations and deaths are well down from peak numbers.
Is the Omicron Booster Available?
Yes, it was rolled out on Sept. 1 to doctor’s offices, health departments, and pharmacies across the country.
Who Is Eligible?
Boosters are available from both Moderna and Pfizer, which are the two companies that had the mRNA vaccines available initially. The Moderna one is available for those over 18, while the Pfizer version is for those 12 and up.
How Are These Vaccines Different Than the Original Ones?
Through the mRNA technology, the boosters added the spike proteins present in the Omicron variants that have been prevalent in the spring and summer (BA.4 and BA.5). This is another milestone for this type of vaccine, as it’s the first time since the start of the pandemic that manufacturers have been able to replicate the strain of the virus that is currently circulating.
When Can You Get an Updated Booster?
For those who have had at least the primary vaccine (one- or two-shot series depending on the vaccine manufacturer), they can get this updated booster at any time. If you’ve had a vaccine, a booster, or had been infected with COVID-19 in the past two months, the CDC says you should wait until the two-month mark passes before getting the Omicron booster.
