According to health-care experts, the time has come for Floridians, especially individuals aged 65 and above, to consider receiving a booster shot of COVID-19 vaccines. As of now, nearly 2,300 people have lost their lives in Florida this year due to the virus that shows no signs of fully disappearing. The elderly population accounts for a staggering 91% of COVID-19 deaths in the state.

During the initial vaccine rollout, a significant number of elderly individuals received their vaccinations. However, recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that only 43% of U.S. residents over the age of 65 are up to date on their COVID-19 shots. This has prompted experts to urge this vulnerable group to prioritize immunization.

Jill Roberts, an associate professor at USF Health, emphasized the importance of taking advantage of the current low transmission rates of COVID-19 and receiving the booster shot. Vaccines typically take about two weeks to provide full effectiveness. Roberts highlighted that there are currently fewer hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19, but warned that a new variant could emerge in the future, potentially changing the situation.

In the week of March 30, Florida recorded 652 new COVID-19 hospital admissions, a significantly lower number compared to the peak of the virus in August 2021 when there were 15,577 admissions in a single week.

The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older receive at least one dose of the current COVID-19 vaccine. Children between 6 months and 4 years old require multiple doses, and individuals over 65 or with weakened immune systems should receive an additional booster shot after four months. Those who received their COVID-19 shot before September 12 should consider getting another dose, as the newest vaccines were approved on that date.

Data from the CDC reveals that only about 16% of Florida adults are up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines, compared to the national average of 23%. Roberts stressed that even individuals who are not at a higher risk of death should be aware of the potential severe consequences of contracting COVID-19. An independent analysis of CDC data found that around one in ten U.S. adults who have had COVID-19 report experiencing long-term side effects, which can range in severity and persist beyond the initial infection.

While the available COVID-19 vaccines, including Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, utilize mRNA technology, there is now an alternative option. Novavax has developed a protein-based vaccine that delivers the spike protein from the virus causing COVID-19 to help the body develop immunity. Dr. Robert Walker, Novavax's chief medical officer, noted that their vaccine also includes an adjuvant to enhance the immune system's production of antibodies. The aim is to provide options for individuals who may be skeptical of mRNA technology.

Walker emphasized that both mRNA and non-mRNA vaccines have extensive safety data, and the availability of different options allows individuals to make informed decisions based on their preferences. Novavax's vaccine relies on a more traditional technology that has been successfully used in other widely-used immunizations against diseases like flu, HPV, and hepatitis B. Importantly, the Novavax shot does not contain the live virus that causes COVID-19 and cannot spread the disease.

While major health organizations worldwide and most scientists continue to endorse the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines, there has been skepticism from Florida's Surgeon General, Dr. Joseph Ladapo. Ladapo has expressed the need for more research and called for a pause in the use of mRNA vaccines, citing a discredited theory. However, it remains unclear whether the Florida Department of Health or Ladapo would recommend Novavax's non-mRNA vaccine. Notably, the Florida Department of Health has not updated its COVID-19 vaccine information on its website since April 2023.

As concerns over the persistence of COVID-19 and potential long-term effects continue, health experts strongly urge Floridians to consider receiving booster shots, especially if they fall within the high-risk category. Vaccination remains a crucial tool in minimizing hospitalizations, deaths, and the long-term impact of the virus on individuals and communities.