At South Tabor Family Physicians, we are dedicated to keeping you informed about pivotal health developments. Today, we bring you significant news about the next generation of COVID-19 vaccines, based on recent announcements by the Oregon Health Authority.
Here’s the Latest on the New COVID-19 Vaccines:
- Approval and Availability: The U.S. FDA and CDC have given the green light for new mRNA COVID-19 vaccines produced by Pfizer and Moderna. These monovalent vaccines have been specifically designed to target the circulating Omicron subvariants.
- Who Should Get the New Vaccines:
- If you’ve previously been vaccinated against COVID-19: Anyone aged 6 months and above, irrespective of the previous doses received, is advised to get a single dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. This should be done at least two months after the last COVID-19 vaccine dose.
- If you’re getting vaccinated for the first time:
- 6 months to 4 years: Two doses of Moderna or three doses of Pfizer are recommended.
- 5 years and above: A single dose of either vaccine brand is advised.
Do note, any additional doses beyond these guidelines should be discussed with healthcare professionals, taking into account individual health scenarios.
- Vaccine Availability in the US: The bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have been phased out in the United States. However, the original non-mRNA Novavax vaccine, while not preferred due to its absence of the Omicron variant spike protein, is available for those 12 years and older. An updated version of this Novavax vaccine is in the pipeline, pending federal approval.
- Commercial Availability: The newly approved COVID-19 vaccines may hit the market at healthcare facilities and pharmacies as early as the coming week. These will be available at no cost under most insurance schemes, including the Oregon Health Plan. However, the CDC has yet to confirm when these vaccines will be integrated into state-run programs like Oregon’s Vaccine Access Program (VAP), which offers complimentary vaccines to qualifying children and adults.
For an in-depth view on the new vaccines, including insurance, pricing specifics, and fresh updates on RSV protection for specific age groups, we encourage you to read the full press release provided by the Oregon Health Authority, here.
Thank you for placing your trust in South Tabor Family Physicians. Our primary goal is to ensure the health and well-being of our community. Together, let’s move towards a brighter, safer future.
Warm regards,
The Team at South Tabor Family Physicians
Always consult with healthcare professionals and refer to the Oregon Health Authority’s official communications for comprehensive and current information.