Joseph R. Anticaglia MD
Medical Advisory Board
The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the emergency authorization requested by the pharmaceutical companies Moderna, and Pfizer- BioNTech to distribute their reformulated versions of the COVID — 19 vaccines to be distributed in September 2022. It is estimated that delaying the roll-out of the vaccines till November of this year would result in more than100,000 additional hospitalizations and in thousands of additional deaths.
These bivalent vaccines utilize mRNA technology to target the original COVID — 19 virus plus the Omicron virus’ two deadly variants — BA .4, and BA .5. In August of 2022 according to the CDC, 407 Americans died every day as a result of COVID. Although the mortality number is dreadful, if you’re over the age of sixty, your chances of being hospitalized or dying from this disease is significantly reduced when you get vaccinated and boosted.
Eligibility
As in the past, the current booster shots are free and available at pharmacies, doctors’ offices, hospitals or clinics. You are eligible for the new booster if:
- You are 12 years of age or older (for Pfizer), or 18 years of age or older (for Moderna), AND
- It has been at least two months since your most recent booster or the completion of your primary vaccination series, OR
- If you had an infection to COVID, wait at least two months before getting a bivalent booster shot.
How long do the booster shots last?
It takes about two weeks for the vaccines to kick in and have a strong, protective effect. After six weeks its effectiveness gradually wanes, so that at five months the shots are about 30% effective compared to the first 2 to 6 week period.
Safety and Efficacy
Rochelle P. Walensky, director of CDC is confident that bivalent vaccines are safe and will work well. The September 2022 vaccines were tested on mice and not human beings. This is not unprecedented since flu shots have used mice models to formulate flu shots each influenza season.
Side Effects of Booster Shots
The side effects of vaccinations using the mRNA are usually mild; for example, fever and irritation at the site of the injection. This technology has been around for many years and over the past two years was utilized in designing COVID vaccines with a strong safety and effectiveness record.
Flu Shot?
Health authorities once again advise people to get the flu shot this season. You can be vaccinated with the updated COVID vaccine and the flu shot at the same time. Get one in each arm.
Benefits
The advantages of getting boosted with the current, updated, bivalent vaccine include cutting down on hospitalizations, reducing the incidence of deaths, boosting the immune system’s response to other variants and minimizing the effects of Long COVID. The elderly, immunocompromised individuals and those with chronic conditions are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of COVID. It behooves us to protect ourselves by building up our immune defenses and in so doing protect others we come in contact with. Boosters shots save lives.
Glossary
Bivalent vaccine is a vaccine, for example, in which there are two different forms of SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) which are put into the vaccine formulation. The purpose is to make the immune system recognize the two forms of COVID that is current.
References
- CDC, Center for Disease Control and Prevention; COVID Data Tracker September 1, 2022
- CDC; Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines including Boosters; Sept.2,2022
- Andrew Pekosz, MD; New COVID-19 Booster Shots and Fall Outlook; C-span, September 3,2022
- Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD; Messenger RNA Vaccines: How Do They Protect Us Against COVID-19? September 15, 2021
This article is intended solely as a learning experience. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options.