Bill Oxford
The CDC is recommending that all people aged six months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against developing severe cases of infection and Long COVID.
In a statement released Tuesday evening, the CDC said it recommends people getting updated shots for the fall/winter virus season if they haven’t had a COVID-19 vaccination in the past two months.
Updated shots from Pfizer (NYSE:PFE)/BioNTech (NASDAQ:BNTX) and Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA) will be available later this week, the agency added.
The CDC said people without insurance or who have insurance plans that don’t cover the shots can get free vaccinations at local health centers, health departments and pharmacies participating in its Bridge Access Program. Children may also be able to receive free shots if their provider is enrolled in the Vaccines for Children program.
Earlier Tuesday, a CDC advisory panel voted overwhelmingly to recommend updated COVID-19 vaccines for people aged six months and older. CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen approved the recommendation Tuesday evening.
On Monday, the FDA approved and authorized updated vaccines by Moderna (MRNA) and Pfizer (PFE)/BioNTech (BNTX) for people aged six months and older. The shots have been updated to target the Omnicron variant XBB.1.5, which has been a prevalent strain this year.
Last week, Moderna and Pfizer said their respective vaccines also appeared to be effective in protecting against another variant of concern, BA.2.86.
Pfizer plans to charge $120 per dose for its vaccine, while Moderna is pricing its at $129 per dose, according to Bloomberg.
Novavax said on Monday that its updated COVID-19 vaccine is ready to ship, pending FDA authorization and recommendation by the CDC.
More on COVID-19 vaccines:
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Pfizer stock hits 52-week low as Moderna rolls out data on rival COVID shot
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