What’s Happening With Your COVID Booster? (with CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen)
Oct 4, 2023
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CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen answers questions about the new COVID booster, including availability and effectiveness against variants. The podcast also discusses the DeSantis administration's controversial advice against COVID shots for Florida residents under 65. They emphasize the importance of COVID and flu vaccinations for all age groups and explore the logic behind booster shots. The different types of COVID-19 vaccines and variations in immunity are also discussed.
The CDC recommends an updated COVID vaccine for all Americans over the age of six months, tailored to the dominant circulating variants, to prevent severe illness and reduce the overall burden of the disease.
Vaccination is crucial in preventing long COVID and severe symptoms in all age groups, including children, and pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid offer widespread appointment availability for vaccine administration.
Deep dives
Updated COVID vaccine recommendation for all age groups
The CDC has made an updated recommendation for all Americans over the age of six months to receive an updated COVID vaccine. The decision was based on the changing nature of the virus and the decreasing durability of immunity over time. The vaccine is tailored to the dominant circulating variants of the virus and has been deemed safe and effective. The recommendation is particularly important for individuals over 65 who are at higher risk of severe illness and hospitalization. However, risks and protections apply to all age groups, including children. The CDC highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing long COVID and reducing the overall burden of the disease.
Symptoms and risks of COVID
COVID symptoms continue to include fever, cough, body aches, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and loss of taste and smell. While some individuals may experience milder symptoms or have underlying immunity, there are still risks for severe illness and hospitalization at every age. Even children without underlying conditions can be affected. Vaccination decreases the risk of severe symptoms and long COVID. It is important not to underestimate the burden of the disease and to consider personal and community risk factors when deciding to get vaccinated.
Availability and access to vaccines
Vaccines are currently available at various retail pharmacy chains such as CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid. These pharmacies offer widespread appointment availability. While there may be initial challenges with the vaccine distribution process due to the shift from a government-operated system, efforts are underway to ensure smoother accessibility. Insurance coverage plays a role in accessing vaccines, and most insurance plans cover the cost. For those without insurance, the CDC offers programs to provide free vaccines.
Communication and collaboration with Republicans in Congress
Efforts are being made to foster better communication and collaboration with Republicans in Congress. The CDC has previously worked effectively with Florida to contain domestic malaria cases. The agency aims to build trust and partnerships across the political spectrum, emphasizing shared goals of protecting public health. While these relationships take time to develop, the CDC continues to work towards common objectives and provide important healthcare guidance.
CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen sits down with Andy to answer your most pressing questions about this year’s new COVID booster. When will the new vaccine be available to everyone who wants it? How will it hold up against new variants like XBB.1.5, EG.5, and BA.2.86? When should I get vaccinated to best protect me and my loved ones this holiday season? Dr. Cohen answers all this and more. Plus, Andy asks Dr. Cohen about the DeSantis administration’s decision to advise against COVID shots for Florida residents under 65.
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