Both pharmaceutical companies have announced that the updated mRNA shots will soon be available in pharmacies and clinics across the country.

Highlighting the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of Covid-19, Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, emphasized that the updated vaccines have met the agency's strict standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality. With concerns over waning immunity from previous exposure or vaccination, health authorities strongly encourage eligible individuals to consider receiving the updated Covid-19 vaccine to obtain better protection against the currently circulating variants.

Major pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens are preparing to administer the updated vaccines as doses are expected to arrive at their locations in the coming days. CVS has stated that once the vaccine supply arrives, walk-ins will be accepted, and their online scheduler will be updated with available vaccination appointments. Similarly, Walgreens will allow customers to schedule appointments within 24 hours, starting from September 6th, and walk-ins will also be available as vaccine supply increases.

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a concerning rise in the levels of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as measured in wastewater, indicating a nationwide increase in Covid-19 cases. This summer peak is reported to be the highest since July 2022, and highlights the value of monitoring viral levels in wastewater as an indicator of the virus's prevalence.

While rates of severe disease, including hospitalization and death, have been increasing, they remain significantly lower compared to previous years. The dominant strain in the US currently is KP.3.1.1, accounting for 37% of cases in the past two weeks, a three-fold increase from a month ago. Both the updated mRNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech target this strain, along with the KP.2 variant and other offshoots of the JN.1 Omicron variant.

In line with CDC recommendations from June, which advised receiving both an updated Covid-19 vaccine and a flu shot this year, the FDA has expanded eligibility for the updated vaccines. Individuals aged 5 and older who have had at least a two-month interval since their last dose are eligible to receive the updated Pfizer or Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. Unvaccinated individuals between 6 months and 4 years old can receive three doses of the updated Pfizer vaccine or two doses of the updated Moderna vaccine, while those in this age group who have been previously vaccinated may require one to two doses based on their vaccination history. Additionally, certain individuals aged 6 months to 11 years with weakened immune systems may be eligible for additional doses.

With the availability of these updated vaccines, health authorities are hopeful that increased vaccination rates and ongoing preventive measures will help curb the spread of the Delta variant and protect communities from the severe impacts of Covid-19.