Some of this is likely due to general vaccine fatigue, or a belief that the worst of the pandemic is behind us, while some of it may be due to some high-profile media reports suggesting these reformulated vaccines provide only limited protection against the newer Omicron variants.
The data we have has been mixed - and is far from complete - but even when it doesn't prevent infection these booster shots are thought to reduce the risks of severe illness (Full Disclosure: I got the booster in October, believing that any protection beats no protection at all).
Even among the elderly - those over 65 and at greatest risk from the virus - only about 40% of the population has elected to get the booster. Uptake drops down into the single digits for the youngest individuals.
On Thursday the FDA approved the COVID booster for children as young as 6 months (see FDA announcement) and yesterday the CDC endorsed the decision. The guidance however, is complex, and differs between children who received the original Moderna and Pfizer series.
On Tuesday of next week the CDC will hold a COCA call for clinicians on the latest guidance for the administration of the bivalent booster, along with advice for educating patients on the benefits of getting the booster.
These presentations are often technical, and are of greatest interest to clinicians and healthcare providers, but also may be of interest to the general public. As always, If you are unable to attend the live presentation, these (and past) webinars are archived and available for later viewing at this LINK.
Details on Tuesday's presentation follows.
COVID-19 Update: Clinical Guidance and Patient Education for Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines
Overview
COVID-19 vaccination provides protection against serious illness and outcomes associated with COVID-19, including emergency department or urgent care visits, hospitalizations, and death. Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines, containing original and Omicron BA.4/5 spike protein components, help restore protection that has waned since previous vaccination. During this COCA Call, presenters will discuss updates on bivalent vaccines including the most recent vaccine effectiveness data, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s clinical guidance for bivalent vaccines, and strategies for communicating with patients about COVID-19 vaccination.
Presenters
Ruth Link-Gelles, PhD, MPH
LCDR, U.S. Public Health Service
Program Lead, COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Elisha Hall, PhD, RD
Lead, Clinical Guidelines, Vaccine Policy Unit
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Richard Quartarone, BA
Acting Communication Team Lead, Immunization Services Division
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Call Materials
None at this time.
Call Details
When:
Tuesday, December 13, 2022,
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET
Webinar Link:
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1616717132
Webinar ID: 161 671 7132
Passcode: 897338
Telephone:
US: +1 669 254 5252 or +1 646 828 7666 or +1 551 285 1373 or +1 669 216 1590
One-tap mobile:
US: +16692545252,,1616717132#,,,,*897338# or +16468287666,,1616717132#,,,,*897338#
International numbers
With the last of the `game-changing' monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID no longer effective, and withdrawn by the FDA, prevention of severe COVID disease becomes all the more important. Although there remain some antiviral treatments available, they are not suitable for everyone.
Making the vaccine, and yes - wearing face masks in public - the best things you can do to protect your health.
