With school back in session, peak sick season on the horizon and a recent uptick in COVID cases, many folks are wondering about COVID boosters. This week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an updated COVID booster from Pfizer-BioNTech, as well as one from Moderna, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) broadly recommended the 2023 vaccines for all children and adults 6 months or older on Tuesday. Both boosters are designed to target the latest “circulating variants of COVID-19,” the CDC notes.
“This vaccine should be thought of as an updated vaccine, not a new one,” explains Brian Labus, assistant professor, department of epidemiology and biostatistics at the School of Public Health at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
“It will be basically the same as the previous vaccine with an updated viral target that matches what is circulating now. We are not starting from scratch like we did with the original vaccine, so the approval should cover everyone that is approved to be vaccinated now.”
From when to get the vaccine to who should be first in line, here’s what experts have to say about the updated COVID booster.
What is the updated COVID booster?
The updated COVID booster shots — which, “The New York Times” notes, can be thought of more as an “annual immunization” (like the flu shot) than a booster to a previous vaccine — are both monovalent, mRNA vaccines, that provide more protection against XBB.1.5, as well as some protection against EG.5, another dominant variant in the United States.
The most recent COVID vaccine prior to these rolled out in September of 2022 and were bivalent, containing spike protein components from omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5. They offered significant protection, particularly to older adults, against hospitalization and death, but aren’t a “good match” for the latest variant, Labus notes.
“The older version vaccine likely won’t provide much protection,” says Labus. “Like the flu vaccine every year, the updated vaccine will replace the older one and you will only be able to get the updated version.”
“Like the flu vaccine every year, the updated vaccine will replace the older one and you will only be able to get the updated version.”
— Brian Labus, assistant professor, department of epidemiology and biostatistics
When will new COVID boosters be available?
The updated COVID booster will reportedly be available this week in most locations. “The updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available for everyone who wants them,” the CDC said in their announcement. “Patients will be able to find this vaccine almost anywhere they normally would go to get their vaccines, like a health care provider’s office or local pharmacy.”
Where can I get the new COVID booster?
To find a COVID-19 vaccine clinic or appointment near you, consult your doctor or health system website. You may also search Vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233.
Who should get the new COVID booster?
“Everyone aged 6 or older that does not have a specific contraindication to the vaccine should get the updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to be up to date,” says Dr. Kevin Lombardi, an epidemiologist and public health expert who currently serves as the senior manager of health research, policy and promotion at the National Center for Health in Public Housing.
“… people who are at high risk for serious infection or complications should prioritize getting the vaccine.”
— Dr. Kevin Lombardi, epidemiologist and public health expert
However, he notes, “people who are at high risk for serious infection or complications should prioritize getting the vaccine.” These populations can include:
- Older adults (65+).
- Those who are immunocompromised (such those are HIV+, have autoimmune conditions or are undergoing cancer treatments, etc.).
- Those with chronic health conditions that have been associated with severe COVID infection (such as type two diabetes, morbid obesity, severe cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Brittany Kmush, associate professor of public health at Syracuse University, adds that “pregnant people” should also prioritize getting the vaccine.
Should you get a COVID booster if you recently had COVID?
“A recent infection should provide good protection against COVID, but that protection starts to fade over time and a booster can help prevent serious disease if they were to be reinfected,” notes Labus.
Kmush adds: “While getting a booster soon after a COVID infection won’t hurt you, it probably won’t do much to boost your immunity either. It is best to wait at least six weeks after the infection, although some experts recommend a longer time.”
“It is best to wait at least six weeks after the infection, although some experts recommend a longer time.”
— Brittany Kmush, associate professor of public health
What if you’ve never been vaccinated for COVID at all?
If you haven’t had a COVID immunization ever, Labus says to simply start fresh with the updated COVID booster. “The updated COVID vaccine will replace the current vaccine and is expected to become available later this week,” he says. “For people who have never been vaccinated, it makes sense to [get the updated COVID booster].”
When should you get the updated COVID booster?
According to Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist/immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network, you should “ideally get a COVID booster ASAP and flu shot at the end of September or in early October.”
And “if you are planning to travel or attend a large gathering,” Kmush notes, be sure to “get the vaccine at least two weeks prior to the event.”
What side effects can you expect from the COVID booster shot?
Common side effects of the COVID vaccine, according to Lombardi are:
- Swelling and redness at the site of injection.
- Fatigue.
- Headache.
- Muscle soreness.
“You may also experience fever and chills for a short period,” he adds. “These side effects typically last 24-48 hours.”
Can you get the COVID booster at the same time as your flu vaccine?
Yes! “It is perfectly safe to get multiple vaccines at the same time,” Lombardi says. “Patients are often concerned that receiving multiple vaccines at the same time can overwhelm their immune system. This is not the case. Our immune systems have evolved and are adapted to develop multiple immunities simultaneously. Unless your doctor says otherwise, it’s perfectly safe to get multiple vaccines at once.”
Should you wear a mask in addition to getting the latest shot?
The idea of masks making their way back into everyday life is unappealing (to say the least), but experts across the board agree they’re effective at mitigating the risk of infection — particularly for immunocompromised groups, pregnant persons and older adults.
“Masks are a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of a number of respiratory diseases, especially in crowded situations and when illness is on the rise in the community,” Labus says. “While everyone can benefit from wearing a mask, it has the greatest benefit for the people at highest risk of severe disease and those with weakened immune systems that may not have a strong response to the vaccine.”
“You should also consider your close contacts,” Kmush adds. “Do you live or work with anyone who is likely to get very sick or hospitalized from COVID? If yes, in order to protect them, you should mask up, as well. I also wouldn’t wait until peak season, start masking sooner rather than later.”
