What need to know about the new COVID-19 booster targeting the Omicron variant

Earlier this week, the Food and Drug Administration approved updated booster injections for Americans 12 and older.

A new COVID-19 booster vaccine is available in pharmacies and clinics across the United States.

Earlier this week, the US Food also Drug Administration (FDA) approved new shots from Moderna. And Pfizer targeting the highly contagious Omicron variant of COVID-19 and the original strain of the coronavirus.

The new formulation is the first vaccine update since the original vaccine was release at the height of the pandemic in December 2020. Vaccination courses are already planned in several cities, with a full rollout expect in the coming days.

On Thursday, dr. Rochelle Walensky, boss of the United States Centers for Disease Control also Prevention. Paved the way for the immediate distribution of the updated vaccine by supporting the recommendations of the agency’s advisory panel.

The updated vaccine will be free and available at pharmacies, doctor’s offices, and community health centres.

According to the CDC, those aged 12 and over will receive an updated Pfizer booster. While those 18 and over can receive a Pfizer or Moderna booster.

The CDC recommends that Americans wait at least two months after their last COVID vaccine to get a new booster. The updated COVID-19 booster vaccine is design to provide better protection against the previous variant of the COVID-19 Offering in circulation. They can help restore existing security weakened after previous vaccinations. And is intend to provide broader protection against newer variants,” Walenski said in a statement.

He continued: “These recommendations follow extensive scientific evaluation and informed scientific discussion. If you qualify, there is never a bad time to get your COVID-19 refresher, and I highly encourage you to get one.”