Staff Report / garwoodLocal.org

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated versions of COVID-19 vaccines that specifically target a variant associated with the recent surge in cases this summer. These new vaccines are from Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, and Novavax and are being distributed to pharmacies and medical offices across the nation. They have met the FDA's standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality.

Here are some important details about the newly authorized COVID-19 vaccines:

1. The mRNA vaccines focus on a specific variant. The FDA has advised vaccine manufacturers to target the KP.2 strain of the coronavirus, which is part of the FlRT variant, for the 2024-2025 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer.

2. Novavax has also received authorization for an updated vaccine. The Novavax vaccine, using traditional protein-based technology unlike the mRNA vaccines, has been authorized for use in individuals aged 12 and older as of August 30. This vaccine targets the JN.1 strain, which is identified as the 'parent strain' of currently circulating variants and is expected to provide robust protection against various spreading variants.

3. Receiving another vaccine can help restore declining immunity.

The information above has been shared by the Westfield Regional Health Department to inform the public about the updated COVID-19 vaccine options.

Source: Garwood Borough

Source Type: Gov

Source Location:

Garwood, NJ

403 South Avenue, Garwood, NJ

https://www.facebook.com/773079501523529/posts/959124596252351

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