While COVID-19 might not be as pressing of a problem as it was during the peak of the pandemic, the virus and its many variants still pose significant health risks that require updated vaccine protection to combat.
As they have in years past, another surge of cases has been anticipated by experts as we enter the holiday season. Along with well-known variants like Omicron, 2023 has seen other COVID mutations like XBB.1.5. rise, which previous year’s vaccines were not designed to protect against.
New Vaccines Now Available
Fortunately, Pfizer and Moderna’s newest vaccines (Comirnaty and Spikevax respectively) have an improved formula for 2023 which were approved for commercialization and use in September.
Both operate under the similar principle of previous mRNA vaccines by introducing a small, similar piece of the virus (and its common variants) into the body. This simulates an actual exposure to the virus, which helps the body’s immune system become better prepared and effective if it encounters the actual virus later.
However, there are some notable updates with the new vaccines you should be aware of. Before we dive into the key details, but if you should have any further questions regarding vaccine options, you can always contact your nearest Community Pharmacy, and our staff will be happy to answer.
Key Information Regarding Comirnaty & Spikevax
Developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, Corminaty has an exemplary 95% efficacy rate against the COVID-19 infection. Similarly, Spikevax vaccine offers high levels of protection against the virus after thousands of rounds of clinical testing.
While neither will stop a recipient from outright contracting the virus, what they can do is stem the severity of the virus’ effect upon the body. Those who have received the vaccine are far less likely to have serious effects that require hospitalization when compared to the unvaccinated. This helps the individual handle the immediate effects of the disease and prevents hospitals from becoming overcrowded with patients when cases rise.
Further notable details regarding both of the newly approved vaccines include:
- Effective Against
- COVID-19
- Omicron Variants BA.4 and Ba.5
- XBB Variants
- Common Side Effects
- Swelling around the injection site
- Headaches, nausea, chills
- Most subside within a few days
- Especially Recommended For
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Those with respiratory issues
- General public over six years old
Past medical history is a factor that might affect the best timeframe and type of vaccine an individual might need. If you are unsure what the best path towards COVID vaccination is for you or a loved one, contact Community Pharmacy today and we can make recommendations based on your unique situation.
If you would like to schedule an appointment for a Comirnaty or Spikevax vaccination, you can do so now by clicking here.
Appointments are available every fifteen minutes from 9:00 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. (CST) Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. Saturday.
Effective, Proven COVID Protection
More than 672 million doses of COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered since the pandemic, and they have proven to be an incredibly safe, dependable, and effective shield against the worst effects of the virus.
By keeping up with the latest vaccines, you can help protect yourself from the worst effects of the virus and keep the effects of its spread minimized.
