FDA may approve new COVID boosters by Friday.
FDA may approve new COVID boosters by Friday.
New COVID-19 Booster Shots Could Soon Be Available
It’s not all doom and gloom in the era of COVID-19 - new booster shots are on the horizon! According to sources familiar with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plans, the long-awaited booster shots are expected to be approved as soon as Friday. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is also scheduled to meet on Tuesday to discuss these boosters. Once everything is in place, vaccinations could begin as early as next week.
Boosting Immunity Against Omicron Subvariant
The new booster shots, developed by Pfizer and Moderna, specifically target the XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant. While Omicron may no longer be the dominant variant circulating, the closely related variants that are spreading still pose a threat. Health experts believe that these booster shots can provide significant protection against these variants.
Full Approval on the Horizon
This time, the FDA might grant full approval for the booster shots, rather than resorting to emergency use authorization. This development further strengthens the confidence and credibility of these booster shots.
Inching Towards Widespread Coverage
Although 97% of adults currently have some level of protective immunity from past COVID infections and vaccinations, the booster shots are expected to enhance this coverage even further. However, it is important to note that the federal government will not cover the cost of these shots for the first time.
Most individuals with private and public health insurance should still be able to receive the booster shots free of charge. Uninsured individuals may have access to these shots at community health centers. However, for some, there will be a cost involved. According to NBC News, the estimated price per dose will range from $110 to $130.
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Covering Costs and Ensuring Accessibility
Determining whether the shots will be covered by insurance and when they can be obtained will depend on individuals’ insurance plans. Jennifer Kates, director of the Global Health & HIV Policy Program at KFF, a nonprofit health policy organization, explains that uninsured individuals will still have access to free boosters through 2024, thanks to the “bridge” program announced by the Biden administration.
It is worth noting that Novavax’s vaccine, available under emergency use authorization, will continue to be covered. This offers individuals more choices and options to ensure that they can protect themselves against the COVID-19 virus.
With booster shots on the horizon, everyone is cautiously optimistic about the potential for further protection against COVID-19. While the pandemic has certainly presented its fair share of challenges and setbacks, the development and availability of these booster shots signify a significant step forward in our fight against the virus.
