The Biden administration plans to urge all Americans to get a booster shot for the coronavirus this autumn to counter a new wave of infections, a White House official said on Sunday.

The official said that while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting an increase in infections and hospital admissions from the virus, overall levels remain low.

On Thursday, Moderna (MRNA.O) said initial data showed its updated COVID-19 vaccine is effective against the “Eris” and “Fornax” subvariants in humans.

Moderna and other COVID-19 vaccine makers Novavax (NVAX.O), Pfizer (PFE.N) and German partner BioNTech SE (22UAy.DE) have created versions of their shots aimed at the XBB.1.5 subvariant.

Pending approval from health regulators in the United States and Europe, the companies expect the updated shots to be available in the coming weeks for the autumn vaccination season.

We will be encouraging all Americans to get those boosters in addition to flu shots and RSV shots,” the official said, referring to the Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

    • Efwis@lemmy.zip
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      3
      arrow-down
      10
      ·
      1 year ago

      At this point I figure why bother? Covid isn’t going to go away. It’s a part of life now. Also like I said I’ve had it twice and it wasn’t debilitating to me. To me, I feel like it isn’t worth the cost to my insurance provider.

      This is strictly my call. Besides it’s not like it’s going away just because I take the vaccine. Not to mention the possibility they accidentally administer the wrong one. Not saying this will happen, but nobody is infallible.

      • Zink@programming.dev
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        7
        ·
        1 year ago

        Covid not going away is a reason to get the booster, not avoid it.

        But in your specific case, with your previous reactions, definitely do what makes sense for you.

        • Efwis@lemmy.zip
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          2
          arrow-down
          1
          ·
          1 year ago

          You’re right. Everyone that is vaccinated should take the booster and those without underlying health issues, that could make it dangerous to take the vaccine, should be vaccinated. Not only for themselves, but for their loved ones and those they are around on a daily basis.