Earlier this month, three updated Covid-19 vaccines were introduced, and health experts are emphasizing their strong effectiveness against new Omicron subvariants, which remain the dominant strain in the U.S.

While the XEC recombinant hybrid is emerging in Europe, it accounts for less than 1% of U.S. cases. The KP 3.1.1 variant, also part of the Omicron family, has been prevalent in the U.S. since April.

In a media briefing on September 27, hosted by Ethnic Media Services, a panel of experts discussed the new updated vaccines and the new sub-variants.

Speakers

  • Dr. Benjamin Neuman, Professor of Biology, Texas A&M University
  • Dr. Peter Chin Hong, infectious diseases specialist, University of California, San Francisco
  • Dr. Daniel Turner-Lloveras, co-founder and CEO of Salud con Tech and the Latino Health Innovation Alliance

The Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines are specifically formulated based on the KP 3.1.1 subvariant, while the Novavax vaccine is built on an older subvariant, JN1, which saw its peak back in March, according to Dr. Benjamin Neuman.

Novavax: A Less Effective Option?

Dr. Neuman explained that while all three vaccines offer protection, the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are expected to provide more prolonged immunity since they are based on a more recent virus strain.

“So if you’re looking at the amount of time that you are likely to get protection based on the rate of virus change, you are likely to get more mileage out of one of the two mRNA vaccines only because they’re a little bit closer in time to the virus that is circulating now,” said Dr. Neuman. 

However, he added that no one can predict future virus mutations: “If the virus decides to make a left turn and go back to something more like JN1, then the Novavax vaccine will be superior in terms of protection,”

T-cell immunity from Covid vaccines may last only a couple of years, so getting regular vaccine top-ups is crucial, said Dr. Neuman. He urged everyone to get vaccinated soon. “Taking the vaccine now gets you through the holiday season, hopefully without any damage to you or your loved ones,” he said.

Can You Take Them Together?

Covid-19 vaccines can be administered at the same time as flu shots, said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong. “For me, convenience trumps everything,” he said, addressing concerns about possible side effects from receiving both vaccines simultaneously.

While some people may experience symptoms like muscle aches, fever, or fatigue after vaccination, most have no symptoms at all. If, however, a high fever lasts more than three days or there are signs of an altered mental state, it’s time to seek hospital care, warned Dr. Chin-Hong.

Although rare, some adolescent males may experience myocarditis (heart inflammation) after vaccination. Additionally, cases of anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) are also rare but should be treated immediately in a hospital.

Children and Covid Vaccines

Children should be vaccinated as soon as possible, especially if they are of school age, Dr. Chin-Hong advised.

“Particularly if they’re school age, you want to get kids through the winter when you have a lot of gatherings and Thanksgiving. Your kid being sick will mean you might sick and have to stay away from those events” he said, adding that if children contract Covid-19, they are at a higher risk for other respiratory infections like RSV.

While children are at risk, the primary focus remains on adults aged 65 and older, particularly those who are immunocompromised.

Florida’s Vaccine Misinformation

On Sept. 22, the Florida Department of Health released a controversial statement questioning the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. The department recommended Novavax for individuals over 65 or those with weakened immune systems. However, Dr. Neuman refuted these claims.

“It was peculiar when the Florida Surgeon General  — Dr. Joseph Ladapo — came out with this statement. Because there was no new data which would suggest that anything that he was saying was actually true,” said Dr. Neuman.

Drop in Vaccination Rates

As of mid-September, fewer than 3% of the U.S. population had received the updated vaccines, according to the CDC. Only 23% of the public indicated they intended to get vaccinated, raising concerns about low vaccination rates persisting into next spring.

In some communities, vaccination intentions are even lower. For example, less than 15% of Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Latinos plan to get vaccinated, while only 18-20% of Black Americans expressed willingness to receive the shot, based on CDC survey data.

Dr. Daniel Turner-Lloveras said these statistics are unsurprising, given the barriers to access that many communities of color face.

Mistrust in the Healthcare System

“When we talk about COVID-19 in communities of color, what we’re really talking about is access, trust and equity.” said Turner-Lloveras. “They’ve been overlooked and they’ve been victims of misinformation, disinformation, just like many other communities. For people who’ve been historically mistreated by the healthcare system, mistrust plays a huge role.”

He pointed out several obstacles that hinder vaccine uptake, such as a lack of transportation to clinics, language barriers, and the rising costs of vaccines, which are no longer free. While most health insurance plans cover Covid vaccines, uninsured people may face out-of-pocket costs of around $200 at pharmacies.

To address these challenges, Turner-Lloveras emphasized “real change doesn’t happen to a community. It happens with the community.” he said, underscoring the role of local voices in breaking down barriers to vaccination.