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<\/p>\nEarlier 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“So if you\u2019re 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\u2019re a little bit closer in time to the virus that is circulating now,\u201d said Dr. Neuman.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, he added that no one can predict future virus mutations: \u201cIf 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,”<\/p>\n 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. \u201cTaking the vaccine now gets you through the holiday season, hopefully without any damage to you or your loved ones,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Covid-19 vaccines can be administered at the same time as flu shots, said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong. \u201cFor me, convenience trumps everything,\u201d he said, addressing concerns about possible side effects from receiving both vaccines simultaneously.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s time to seek hospital care, warned Dr. Chin-Hong.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Children should be vaccinated as soon as possible, especially if they are of school age, Dr. Chin-Hong advised.<\/p>\n \u201cParticularly if they\u2019re school age, you want to get kids through the winter when you have a lot of gatherings and Thanksgiving. Your\u00a0kid being sick will mean you might sick and have to stay away from those events\u201d he said, adding that if children contract Covid-19, they are at a higher risk for other respiratory infections like RSV.<\/p>\n While children are at risk, the primary focus remains on adults aged 65 and older, particularly those who are immunocompromised.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was peculiar when the Florida Surgeon General \u00a0\u2014 Dr. Joseph Ladapo \u2014 came out with this statement. Because there was no new data which would suggest that anything that he was saying was actually true,\u201d said Dr. Neuman.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Dr. Daniel Turner-Lloveras said these statistics are unsurprising, given the barriers to access that many communities of color face.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we talk about COVID-19 in communities of color, what we\u2019re really talking about is access, trust and equity.\u201d said Turner-Lloveras. \u201cThey\u2019ve been overlooked and they\u2019ve been victims of misinformation, disinformation, just like many other communities. For people who\u2019ve been historically mistreated by the healthcare system, mistrust plays a huge role.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n To address these challenges, Turner-Lloveras emphasized “real change doesn\u2019t happen to a community. It happens with the community.\u201d he said, underscoring the role of local voices in breaking down barriers to vaccination.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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…<\/p>\nCan You Take Them Together?<\/b><\/b><\/h3>\n
Children and Covid Vaccines<\/b><\/b><\/h3>\n
Florida\u2019s Vaccine Misinformation<\/b><\/b><\/h3>\n
Drop in Vaccination Rates<\/b><\/b><\/h3>\n
Mistrust in the Healthcare System<\/b><\/b><\/h3>\n