What you should know about the updated COVID-19 vaccine

(BPT) – COVID-19 continues to be a public health concern, as periodic surges in infections and hospitalizations continue to be seen.1 While SARS-CoV-2 infections typically increase in the fall and winter as Like the flu, the virus is present year-round and COVID-19 remains the leading cause of hospitalizations for respiratory infections.2, 3 As we enter the colder months, it is important to take precautions to protect yourself oneself and one’s loved ones from contagion.

Unfortunately, the vaccination rate for COVID-19 in adults is still lower than that for influenza, despite the increased risk of hospitalization and death.4,5

In some people, COVID-19 symptoms persist for weeks, months, or even years after infection.6 Nearly 20% of U.S. adults and nearly one in four children or adolescents reported long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms. COVID-19, called long COVID.7,8

“As much as we wish we didn’t have to worry about COVID anymore, the disease is still here, so we must do everything we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones,” said James Mansi, vice president of Medical Affairs in North America, in Modern. “Routine vaccination is a very effective way to protect us against COVID-19, especially when respiratory infections increase during the fall and winter.9 This is critical for those who are most at risk for severe illness.”10

Who is at higher risk of complications from COVID-19?

Three in four adults in the United States have an underlying medical condition that may increase the risk of developing severe symptoms of COVID-19.11 Some factors that may increase the risk of severe COVID-19 include:12

Be 65 years or older
Diabetes
Obesity
heart disease
Lung disease
Have various risk factors

“People who are at higher risk for severe complications from COVID-19 are also more likely to develop long COVID, making it even more important that they receive the updated vaccine,”6 said Dr. Phillip Levy, a professor in the Department of Wayne State University Emergency Medicine. “This includes those with chronic medical conditions and those aged 65 and older, as eight in ten COVID-19-related deaths occur in this age group.”13

The first step to protect yourself and others from COVID-19

Routine vaccination is one of the most effective methods to prevent serious illness and long-term complications following COVID-19.6 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved updated COVID-19 vaccines. for the period 2024-2025, which focus on the KP.2 strain of the Omicron variant.14 These updated vaccines provide better protection against serious outcomes, such as hospitalizations and death.14 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone six months of age and older get the updated vaccine during the fall and winter.15

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is constantly changing, and the immunity conferred by vaccines or previous infections decreases over time.16, 17 Updated vaccines are designed to provide better protection as COVID-19 mutates.17

For those who have recently had COVID-19, the CDC advises waiting three months (90 days) from the last infection before getting the updated vaccine.11 For example, if a person had COVID-19 in June of this year, they could wait until September to receive the updated vaccine.17

Vaccination helps prevent severe outcomes from COVID-19, which, in turn, helps prevent long COVID. Long COVID can cause long-lasting symptoms including tiredness, exhaustion, and mental confusion.6 People who are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms, such as older adults and those with underlying medical conditions, are also at higher risk for long COVID .6

Encourage your loved ones, especially those who are at-risk patients, to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine today.

To find a location near you to get vaccinated and for more information about COVID-19, visit the site ForYouAndThem.com.

Content created by Moderna.

References:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/changing-threat-covid-19.html

2. https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/covid-19-can-surge-throughout-the-year.html

3. https://www.cdc.gov/resp-net/dashboard/

4. https://www.cdc.gov/covidvaxview/weekly-dashboard/index.html

5. https://www.cdc.gov/fluvaxview/dashboard/weekly.html

6. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/long-term-effects/index.html

7. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/covid19/pulse/long-covid.htm

9. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/immunizations.html