Updated COVID-19 Vaccines are Here! Why you should get up to date on the 2024-2025 vaccine.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines for 2024-2025. This updated vaccine will replace the 2023-2024 formula that was released last year. The approved vaccines are the mRNA formulas from Moderna and Pfizer and the traditional protein-based vaccine from Novavax. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines include a monovalent (single) part of the KP.2 strain while Novavax will target the JN.1 strain. These strains are closer to those that are currently circulating and will be a better match to strains that we will likely encounter in the coming months.

Everyone 6 months and older is recommended to get the updated vaccine. Most people will only need one dose of Moderna or Pfizer, regardless of their vaccine history. For Novavax, two doses are needed to be considered up to date if receiving a COVID-19 vaccine for the first time ever. Otherwise, only one dose is also needed. It’s important to note that Novavax is only available for those who are 12 years or older, and as with other vaccines, additional doses may be recommended for certain ages or those who are immunocompromised. See the table below for a summary of the recommendations. As always, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacy for more information.

The updated vaccines are being released as the summer COVID-19 surge continues into back-to-school and fall and winter seasons. These upcoming months create a perfect environment for increasing infections and transmission. Combined with the more transmissible FLiRT variants currently circulating (KP.2 and KP.3), waning immunity from both vaccines and infections, and decreasing prioritization of mitigation measures such as masking and free testing, it is more important than ever to maintain up to date protection against COVID-19 by getting the updated vaccine. If you have recently had COVID-19, you may hold on getting the updated vaccine for 3 months unless you are at risk for severe COVID-19 or you are in close contact with someone who is at risk for severe COVID-19.

The updated vaccines are expected to be available at most pharmacies and health centers by mid-September 2024. Call your healthcare provider or local pharmacy to schedule an appointment.

Free and affordable resources are also available. The Federal Government is restarting the program that provides free COVID-19 tests through USPS. Starting September 23, 2024, you’ll be able to order 4 free COVID-19 tests from www.COVIDTests.gov. The CDC’s Bridge Access Program, which provided free COVID-19 vaccines to underinsured and uninsured individuals, ended in August. Free or low-cost vaccines may still be available from community health centers.