CDC: 4M People Get New COVID-19 Vaccines
Over four million Americans have already received the new COVID-19 vaccines, according to Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She shared this exciting news during a recent briefing. The CDC officials also mentioned that more than 10 million doses from Pfizer and Moderna have been shipped to various locations, including pharmacies.
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According to CDC data, approximately 56.5 million people, or 17 percent of the population, have received the previous bivalent vaccines. These vaccines were available from the fall of 2022 until recently, with a majority of doses going to individuals aged 65 and older.
However, some individuals have faced challenges in finding the new vaccines at their local pharmacies and doctors. For instance, Jen Kates, a senior vice president at KFF, had her vaccine appointment canceled due to a shortage of vaccines at the pharmacy.
Furthermore, some people have been charged more than $100 for the new vaccines, despite insurance coverage. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) spokesperson assured that efforts are being made to ensure vaccines reach various vaccination sites as quickly as possible.
Dr. Nirav Shah, the CDC’s deputy director, acknowledged the scarcity of vaccines in some locations and encouraged individuals not to give up on getting vaccinated. He emphasized that more vaccines are becoming available every day and advised checking back with healthcare providers and pharmacists.
Recommendations
The CDC recommends at least one dose of the new vaccines for all Americans aged 6 months and older, regardless of prior vaccination or infection. These vaccines were authorized and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Sept. 11, 2023, with limited clinical trial data available.
It is worth noting that the CDC’s recommendations differ from those of other countries and Florida, which advises against vaccinating many younger, healthy individuals due to previous vaccinations or COVID-19 infections.
Observational data for the previous bivalent vaccines showed initial effectiveness that quickly waned. During the briefing, CDC officials made claims about the new vaccines preventing severe disease, although there is currently no evidence to support this.
Manufacturers are charging higher prices for the new vaccines compared to the original ones. Pfizer and Moderna are charging around $85 per dose for individuals aged 12 and older, while Novavax is charging $58 per dose for adults and children.
Despite the costs involved, Health Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized that individuals do not have to pay out of pocket for the vaccines. He received a shot himself in Washington in September.
Looking ahead, officials anticipate annual updates to the vaccines, similar to influenza vaccines, and ongoing research for next-generation vaccines that provide better protection against COVID-19.
What is the CDC doing to address concerns or hesitancy about the safety and benefits of vaccination?
Th and Human Services is currently investigating these cases of price gouging. In response to these challenges, the CDC is working closely with vaccine manufacturers and providers to ensure the equitable distribution of vaccines and address any issues that arise.
Despite these challenges, the rollout of the new COVID-19 vaccines has been an important milestone in the fight against the pandemic. The vaccines, developed by Pfizer and Moderna, have undergone rigorous testing and have been proven to be highly effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. They have also shown effectiveness against new variants of the virus.
The vaccination campaign is an essential component of the national strategy to control the spread of the virus and bring an end to the pandemic. Vaccination not only protects individuals from severe illness but also helps to reduce the overall transmission of the virus, protecting vulnerable populations who may be unable to get vaccinated or have weakened immune systems.
To ensure the success of the vaccination campaign, it is crucial that eligible individuals receive the new COVID-19 vaccines. This includes individuals in high-risk groups, such as the elderly, healthcare workers, and those with underlying medical conditions. The CDC is working with state and local health departments to prioritize vaccine distribution to these groups.
In addition to the distribution efforts, the CDC is also actively promoting vaccine education and awareness. They have launched a comprehensive public health campaign to provide accurate information about the vaccines and address any concerns or hesitancy that people may have. This includes partnering with healthcare providers, community organizations, and public figures to deliver clear and accessible messaging about the safety and benefits of vaccination.
As the vaccination campaign continues, it is important to remain vigilant and continue practicing public health measures such as wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and practicing good hand hygiene. While the vaccines provide a powerful tool in the fight against COVID-19, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution and must be supplemented with other preventive measures.
Overall, the progress made in vaccinating over four million Americans with the new COVID-19 vaccines is a significant achievement. It is a testament to the dedication and hard work of healthcare professionals, government agencies, and vaccine manufacturers in their efforts to protect the population from the devastating effects of the pandemic. With continued efforts and a unified approach, we can overcome the challenges and bring an end to the COVID-19 crisis.
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