SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Several doctors believe the newly updated vaccine is the best course of action as some people are becoming more susceptible to COVID-19 than others.
Doctors told 22News the predominant virus strain circulating now is a descendant of omicron, but it affects many people differently. Additionally, whether you have had COVID or been vaccinated in the past, people can still become infected with this strain. Health officials say this strain has mutated enough to be a little different, and your body doesn’t recognize it like it did a year ago.
“Getting vaccinated now with this new single-strain, monovariant vaccine will put people at less risk for serious infection this year from this current strain,” said Dr. Andrew Artenstein, executive medical director and chief academic officer at Baystate Health.
And if you were planning to receive your updated vaccine from CVS Health, you may have recently received this message after scheduling.
Matt Blanchette, senior retail communications manager for CVS Pharmacy, told 22News they are facing delivery delays; once they get more supplies, they will offer more appointments on their website.
Kayleigh Thomas is a digital reporter who has been part of the 22News team since 2022. Follow Kayleigh on Twitter @kayleighcthomas and see it Biography to see more of his work.