Carl T. BergstromJul 6, 2023

Today a friend asked me what was up with #COVID vaccines. Why haven't we been encouraged to get further boosters?

The short answer is that there's a new version coming this fall that targets the now-prevalent XBB.1.5 strain that was not included in previous formulations.

My guess is that this will be made available, but not necessarily recommended, to all US adults. I will be getting it if it is available to me.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2807145

This Fall’s COVID-19 Vaccine Will Target Omicron XBB Subvariants—Who Needs to Get It?

This Medical News story discusses the updated COVID-19 vaccines expected in the US this fall.

Show threadDeb4+ aka Deborah DT 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️Jul 6, 2023

@ct_bergstrom

I wonder when. I'm invited to a big deal family wedding across country and my last shot was the bivalent last fall so I'll be needing something soon

Show threadGarrett Wollman
@DeborahForPlus @ct_bergstrom According to the materials presented at VRBPAC last month, both companies (Pfizer and Moderna) were prepared to have something ready for authorization in the fall, but exactly when would depend on the precise decision made with respect recommended strain(s). The great thing about the mRNA platform in general is that it's easy to swap out the antigen, but that's "easy" in biologics manufacturing terms; it still takes time for approval and manufacturing.
Jul 7, 2023 at 2:17amWeb
Show threadDeb4+ aka Deborah DT 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️Jul 7, 2023

@wollman @ct_bergstrom

Yes I understand the advantage... mRNA much closer to manufacturing vs growing old fashioned vaccines

Sounds like I'd have to get what we already have....