I didn’t see any mention of Novavax. I prefer this one and have gotten it for 3 years now. Do you know if it will be available? I have tried to find last year’s version in my area and it does not exist.
Thank you all for providing so much useful information.
As a data point: Here in western PA we can't get a COVID-19 shot right now. None of the pharmacies will schedule or they're out of stock. Here's hoping we can get clarity soon.
A key question I'm curious about ... let's say COVID vaccine is approved for adults and kids 6+, but for the narrower set of patients with various other conditions. Will doctors be able to order/administer a vaccine "off label" so to speak? Obviously with drugs, a doctor can prescribe an approved drug to anyone they choose. Does the same hold for vaccines?
An additional question is where does this leave countries like Mexico and Canada? Will they have access to an updated vaccine? This might be a nice topic for a future post.
Awesome ... and sorry! But one more question. Assuming the new formulation is approved, how quickly does the current one get taken off the shelves?
Question behind the question: since the current Pfizer vax doesn't have restrictions, it may make sense to get it now given new one likely to have restrictions. So just wondering if the day the new one gets approved if the current one becomes unavailable? Or are there a few weeks after new approval where the current is still available. Because then, one could wait to see what the restrictions are before deciding to go with current vs. new. Hope that made sense!
Thank you for this invaluable resource which makes a difference by helping people make informed decisions about their health! My husband (70yoa, asthma, CAD) is taking a trip to Alaska in 2 wks and considering a COVID vax prior (2024-2025 formulation) despite updated formulations not being available yet. If so, would you recommend one over another?
I am in the group that will need to get Covid, flu, RSV, vax. Also need to do Shingles vax. I usually have a significant reaction to Covid shot, so don't want to do that with flu shot. Recommended order and wait time in between?
Thank you so much for this information. Just a comment: I live on Long Island and have been unable to schedule an online appointment for anywhere close by. Today I will start calling around sigh.......
I'm puzzled by your statement that the version of the covid vaccine available now is not the same as the one that will be available this fall. I was under the impression that because the virus hasn't mutated much, the new vaccine will be the same as the old one. Please clarify.
I didn’t see any mention of Novavax. I prefer this one and have gotten it for 3 years now. Do you know if it will be available? I have tried to find last year’s version in my area and it does not exist.
I'm collecting reader questions and my answers here: https://www.forceofinfection.com/faq-on-fall-vaccines-2/
Thank you all for providing so much useful information.
As a data point: Here in western PA we can't get a COVID-19 shot right now. None of the pharmacies will schedule or they're out of stock. Here's hoping we can get clarity soon.
Same in Ohio!
Thank you so much for clarifying all of this.
Do you know anything about if/when Novavax will be available?
I'm collecting reader questions and my answers here: https://www.forceofinfection.com/faq-on-fall-vaccines-2/
A key question I'm curious about ... let's say COVID vaccine is approved for adults and kids 6+, but for the narrower set of patients with various other conditions. Will doctors be able to order/administer a vaccine "off label" so to speak? Obviously with drugs, a doctor can prescribe an approved drug to anyone they choose. Does the same hold for vaccines?
An additional question is where does this leave countries like Mexico and Canada? Will they have access to an updated vaccine? This might be a nice topic for a future post.
Thanks as always for the great info!
I'm collecting reader questions and my answers here: https://www.forceofinfection.com/faq-on-fall-vaccines-2/
Thank you very much! Any information on Mexico/Canada? (Maybe that is outside of scope).
They have their own regulatory authorities so they can choose a broader approval.
Awesome ... and sorry! But one more question. Assuming the new formulation is approved, how quickly does the current one get taken off the shelves?
Question behind the question: since the current Pfizer vax doesn't have restrictions, it may make sense to get it now given new one likely to have restrictions. So just wondering if the day the new one gets approved if the current one becomes unavailable? Or are there a few weeks after new approval where the current is still available. Because then, one could wait to see what the restrictions are before deciding to go with current vs. new. Hope that made sense!
Lyme and other tick borne diseases are not included, I see, in spite of the fact they significantly affect the immune system.
Thank you for this invaluable resource which makes a difference by helping people make informed decisions about their health! My husband (70yoa, asthma, CAD) is taking a trip to Alaska in 2 wks and considering a COVID vax prior (2024-2025 formulation) despite updated formulations not being available yet. If so, would you recommend one over another?
Edit: But there is still no ACIP meeting scheduled so I’m not sure.
Thank you! Hopefully the meeting will happen asap and they will do the right thing.
No, I think any of the available options are good. FYI, word has it the new formulation will be approved this week.
Isn't it still true that anyone can self-attest for an updated vaccine, without further documentation?
As per CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/immunocompromised-people.html
This was so very very helpful!
I am in the group that will need to get Covid, flu, RSV, vax. Also need to do Shingles vax. I usually have a significant reaction to Covid shot, so don't want to do that with flu shot. Recommended order and wait time in between?
In terms of seasonality, Covid-19 and RSV are first, then Covid-19 again and flu during mid-winter. So Those two first. I'm not sure about shingles.
Thanks! And thank you for your work and sharing of knowledge.
Thank you so much for this information. Just a comment: I live on Long Island and have been unable to schedule an online appointment for anywhere close by. Today I will start calling around sigh.......
Thank you for this wonderful, usful information. The charts are great!
Thank you for this update
I'm puzzled by your statement that the version of the covid vaccine available now is not the same as the one that will be available this fall. I was under the impression that because the virus hasn't mutated much, the new vaccine will be the same as the old one. Please clarify.
As I understand it, last year was the KP.2 strain of JN.1 lineage, this year is LP.8.1. strain of JN.1.
2024: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-and-authorizes-updated-mrna-covid-19-vaccines-better-protect-against-currently
2025: https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/industry-biologics/covid-19-vaccines-2025-2026-formula-use-united-states-beginning-fall-2025
THANK YOU!!
This is so helpful. Thank you!
Thank you for all you do! A reliable source of information is invaluable.