As the COVID-19 virus mutates and continues to infect people across the globe, protecting against it now resembles the seasonal fight against the flu.
The Food and Drug Administration last week approved updated COVID vaccines meant to attack the variants that are currently circulating in the population. The updated vaccine is expected to be distributed to local providers in September.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone ages six months and older receive the updated vaccine.
When will the new COVID vaccine be available?
The Food and Drug Administration last week approved updated COVID vaccines and the new vaccine is expected to be distributed to local providers in September.
Why is there a new COVID vaccine?
In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus caused severe side effects, hospitalizations and more than 8,000 deaths in Oklahoma, according to CDC statistics.
Since then, the mutated and highly contagious Omicron variant has become the dominant type in circulation. Because it’s transmitted more easily, it out-competed other variants. Luckily for humans, it also causes less severe symptoms.
More:FLiRT variant: COVID-19 symptoms, vaccine recommendations in Oklahoma as cases rise
Since people are still getting sick with COVID-19, the CDC recommends an annual vaccine that restores and enhances protection against the virus variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States. Having an up-to-date vaccination also reduces the chance of suffering effects of long COVID.
CDC reported that people who received the updated COVID-19 vaccine last year saw greater protection against illness and hospitalization.
Can I get a flu shot at the same time as a COVID vaccine?
Yes, it’s safe to get an influenza and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. The flu vaccine also is recommended for everyone ages six months and older.
Check with your health care provider to see if the latest vaccines have arrived.
“Our top recommendation for protecting yourself and your loved ones from respiratory illness is to get vaccinated,” said CDC Director Mandy Cohen. “Make a plan now for you and your family to get both updated flu and COVID vaccines this fall, ahead of the respiratory virus season.”
If you’ve already received a COVID shot this year, talk to your doctor. However, having some protection from COVID is better than no protection at all.
COVID-19 cases rising in Oklahoma
The rate of positive COVID-19 tests in Oklahoma is growing, and the number of weekly hospitalizations reached 100 for the first time since February, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
Public health researchers also track the virus through our waste, specifically wastewater or sewage.
More:Wastewater surveillance, crucial for COVID tracking, has major potential for public health
Sampling of wastewater shows that nationally, viral activity is very high. Data from 10 sites in Oklahoma suggests that COVID levels in wastewater are likely higher than historical levels at each of those locations.
COVID-19 remains a significant health risk and is the leading cause of respiratory illness-related hospitalization with over 600,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S. during the 2023-24 season.
Discover more from PressNewsAgency
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.