The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. As we transition into the fall and winter virus season, the new vaccine provides better protection against current strains of COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that anyone six (6) months and older who has not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past two months receive the updated vaccine.
"Vaccination continues to be the best protection against severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19,” said Ana Nobis, MD, MPH, medical director, Occupational Health Clinic at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC). “The updated vaccines are formulated to protect against the COVID-19 variants that are circulating at this time.”
“Even over last week, there’s been an increase in hospitalizations due to COVID in our area," echoed VUMC infectious disease expert William Schaffner, MD. "These several strains that are out there circulating at the present time are children or grandchildren of the omicron strain.”
Who should definitely get the vaccine? What if I'm healthy?
Experts say anyone who is eligible should get boosted. The vaccine not only protects from sickness, but it also reduces the chances you'll pass along the virus to someone vulnerable. People who are at high risk of severe disease from COVID—those over 65, those with weakened immune systems or those medical conditions such as chronic lung disease, obesity, advanced diabetes or kidney disease—should get the updated vaccine right away. Pregnant women should also get the shot.
Will I need to have an annual COVID-19 shot like I do the flu?
Annual COVID boosters are a way of "reminding our immune system" how to fight off the evolving virus, Dr. Schaffner says. "COVID is going to be with us henceforth, the way influenza is. I think we're starting the schedule for an annual COVID reminder to our immune system the same way we do with influenza."
Studies have found that people who receive the COVID vaccine are less likely to develop long COVID and tend to have symptoms for fewer days if they do get a mild case of COVID.
How long will the protection last?
About two weeks after getting the vaccine, you'll get a boost in immunity that could reduce your chances of getting COVID. That protection will likely last for a few months, with protection against a severe case of COVID lasting about a year.
How much does the vaccine cost?
Most insurance plans will cover the cost of the vaccine. Paying out of pocket for a vaccine would cost around $120 a shot.
Where can I get the updated COVID-19 vaccine?
Patients may receive the updated vaccine by scheduling with their Vanderbilt Health primary care physician through My Health at Vanderbilt, at Vanderbilt Health Walk-In Clinics, and via retail pharmacies across the region. A vaccine locator is available at vaccines.gov.
How can I protect my workforce?
Boost your employees' health with help from Vanderbilt Total Health–Wellbeing. For decades our nursing team has provided on-site vaccination services to area employers. Click here to learn how to tap into these services, including assistance in administering the new COVID vaccine.
