“We expect this season’s vaccine to be available in the coming days, pending recommendation from public health authorities.”
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla after the FDA approved an updated Pfizer COVID vaccine to fight the new variant.
sep 12, 2023
What To Know: The FDA has approved updated Pfizer and Moderna COVID vaccines in order to target the new variant: XBB.1.5. The vaccines are expected to be available later this week or next week and are approved for those 12 and older, with emergency use for ages 6 to 11.
A CDC advisory panel will meet on Tuesday to vote on recommendation for eligibility of the new booster. Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research said, "The public can be assured that these updated vaccines have met the agency's rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality."
Also To Note: Hospitalizations have increased across the U.S. by about 16% in the past week. It is the first time this year there has been a substantial increase in cases across large portions of the country. However, these hospitalizations are not at the same rate seen in 2020 or 2021.
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FDA approves new COVID booster amid rising cases, hospitalizations