FDA approved new COVID-19 vaccines. Here's what to know and where to get them

Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer
Updated ·3 min read
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently green-lit new 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccinations ahead of the fall and winter seasons, when respiratory viruses spread more rapidly within communities.

Here's what to know about the latest vaccines, who needs them and how they help prevent the more serious effects of COVID-19.

What are the new COVID-19 vaccines?

The FDA granted emergency use authorization last week to an updated version of the Novavax shot, which includes a "monovalent (single) component" corresponding with the Omicron variant JN.1 strain of SARS-CoV-2. It is currently approved for use in people 12 years old and older.

In August, the FDA also approved updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, which also have a "monovalent (single) component" corresponding with the Omicron variant KP.2 strain of SARS-CoV-2. These vaccines are manufactured by Moderna and Pfizer, and have been authorized for use in those 12 years and older, as well as children 6 months to 11 years.

The agency said that the latest vaccine formulae "closely targets currently circulating variants to provide better protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death."

“These updated vaccines meet the agency’s rigorous, scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality," Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a news release. "Given waning immunity of the population from previous exposure to the virus and from prior vaccination, we strongly encourage those who are eligible to consider receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine to provide better protection against currently circulating variants.”

Who should get the new COVID-19 vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says everyone ages 6 months and older should get a COVID-19 vaccine, though it is especially important to do so for those over 65, people at heightened risk for severe COVID-19 and those who've never received a vaccine.

"Vaccine protection decreases over time, so it is important to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine," the CDC's website states.

The FDA suggests that everyone who is considering getting a vaccine should consult with their healthcare provider first.

“Individuals are encouraged to consider getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible,” FDA spokesperson Amanda Hils told USA TODAY. “It is important to note that the timing and number of doses needed depends on the vaccination status of an individual and if previously vaccinated, the previous COVID-19 vaccine received."

More information about recommended doses for different age groups can be found on the CDC's website.

Is it worth getting a new vaccine if you just had COVID-19?

According to the CDC, people who've been sick with COVID-19 and do not get vaccinated after their recovery are more likely to contract the virus again compared to those who do get the vaccine. However, those who recently had the virus may consider delaying their next vaccine dose by three months.

Officials say people who currently have COVID-19 should wait to get vaccinated to avoid spreading the virus to healthcare workers and others.

What are the circulating variants?

JN.1 is a COVID-19 variant that has been circulating since December 2023. According to the CDC, the JN.1, KP.2, KP.3, and KP.3.1.1 variants are all connected.

“KP.3.1.1 is a sub-lineage of KP.3," CDC spokesperson Rosa Norman told USA TODAY. "KP.2, KP.3 and KP.3.1.1 are all descendants of JN.1 and have similar spike proteins."

Where to get the new COVID-19 vaccines

Pharmacies nationwide started receiving shipments of the COVID-19 vaccines late last month. CVS Pharmacy is offering doses of the latest vaccines at its stores, along with Kroger, though customers are urged to check the company's online scheduler to ensure vaccine availability.

Other locations offering COVID-19 vaccines can be found at Vaccines.gov, however, officials say to contact listed pharmacies directly to confirm whether the vaccines are available.

USA TODAY contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: New COVID vaccines: What to know and where to get them