Three new COVID-19 vaccines have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in order to target the Omicron variant. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were approved on September 11, 2023, and the Novavax vaccine was approved on October 3, 2023 as reengineered vaccines. Additionally, Dana Hall held a COVID-19 vaccine clinic on October 5, 2023, which used the Moderna vaccine.
The original Pfizer and Moderna vaccines came out in December 2020. Since then, there have been many new booster vaccines to target the new variants. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. The mRNA vaccines work by sending instructions to the host cells in your body in order to make copies of the virus in your body. Once your body notices this new virus, it begins producing antibodies for the virus. Currently, people 6 months and older can receive the vaccine. Some possible side effects include: chills, muscle pains, headache, nausea, and swelling at the injection site. The original and previous versions of the Pfizer and Moderna booster vaccines are currently not available for use.
In August 2022 the original Novavax vaccine was approved by the FDA. The booster vaccine that was approved on October 3 is the only booster shot for the Novavax vaccine. Novavax is a bit different from the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines as it is a protein adjuvant vaccine. The protein adjuvant vaccine works by directly injecting an individual with the harmless coronavirus spike protein. When your immune system encounters the spike protein, it produces antibodies. This vaccine is for individuals who are 12 years and older. Some possible side effects include: tenderness at the injection site, headache, muscle pains, and rare cases of myocarditis and pericarditis.
Infection rates for COVID-19 have been on the rise in the past few months. Although, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director, Dr. Mandy Cohen, believes that the country is “in our strongest position yet to fight COVID-19.”
Sources:
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/updated-covid-vaccine-10-things-to-know
https://www.immunize.org/timeline/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21898-mrna-vaccines
Image Source: Yale New Haven Medicine
