Federal regulators just gave the thumb’s up to new COVID-19 booster shots. The new version of the vaccines should be available in North Carolina in the coming days, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
The new boosters come as COVID case numbers are ticking up again in North Carolina. Fall and winter are also the time when the flu and RSV, which have similar symptoms to COVID, start to circulate more around the state.
“We have more tools than ever to prevent the worst outcomes from COVID-19,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, the former head of N.C. DHHS who recently took over as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“CDC is now recommending updated COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 6 months and older to better protect you and your loved ones,” Cohen said.
The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 is the highest it's been since February. State data shows 638 people were admitted to the hospital with the virus last week.
On average, there were 65 people in intensive care with the virus each day over the last week. The data shows that hospitals have been able to keep many people out of the ICU in this latest wave of infections. Earlier surges in infections have had a higher percentage of people ending up in intensive care.
The hospital numbers have been growing since they hit a low in late June, when the weekly number was 117, according to DHHS.
Wastewater monitoring also shows the virus spreading in North Carolina. The state tests wastewater for COVID-19 genes to monitor where the virus is spreading and how quickly. The wastewater numbers have not been this high since the first week of the year.
Spikes seen in wastewater tend to be a good predictor that more people are about to become ill with the virus, according to public health officials.
State and federal public health officials say everyone 6 months and older should get the new booster shot to protect against the virus during the fall and winter.
“COVID-19 continues to be a very real risk for many people, and last fall, COVID-19, flu and RSV spread widely at the same time," said Dr. Zack Moore, State Epidemiologist with DHHS.
“Safe and effective vaccines are the best way to protect against these viruses. They are especially important for those at higher risk of complications — people 65 and older, children younger than 5, pregnant women and those with certain medical conditions, like asthma, diabetes and heart disease,” he said.
COVID continues to change and evolve. Scientists are working to change the vaccine with the virus, much like they do with the annual flu vaccine.
While the vaccine may not be a perfect match to the current strain of the virus, research shows that it is still effective at reducing serious illness and death from COVID.
"Like the annual flu shot, the fall COVID-19 vaccine provides the most up-to-date protection against the COVID-19 virus and will help us prepare for seasonal viruses that disrupt our lives,” State Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson said in a news release this week.
“We encourage everyone to talk with a health care provider about all recommended vaccines. Protect your family so you can enjoy the activities, sports, school and time with loved ones this fall and winter,” she said.
The new COVID boosters will not be free for all like earlier versions of the vaccine. Much of that federal funding is gone.
Most health insurance plans will cover the new booster shot for no cost. The federal Vaccines for Children program will give free shots to children with Medicaid, those who don’t have insurance or are underinsured.
There is also a federal program to distribute a limited number of free shots for uninsured adults. The Bridge Access Program will make free boosters available through public health departments, community health centers and participating pharmacies, including CVS and Walgreens.
Yes, people can get their annual flu shot and the new COVID booster at the same time. Public health officials say people should get the flu shot before the end of October.