What to Know About the New COVID-19 Vaccine

As children head back to school and the weather cools, we can expect to see an increase in COVID infections, along with the common cold and flu. On Aug. 22, 2024, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved an updated COVID vaccine that targets the most prevalent and widespread strains.

 Jerry Zuckerman, M.D., chief hospital quality & infection prevention officer at Hackensack Meridian Health suggests that all individuals six months and older get the vaccine—especially those with underlying health conditions or suppressed immune systems, and those over 65.

Why Get the COVID Vaccine Again?

“Immunity against infection wanes with time,” says Dr. Zuckerman. “This applies to whether you have immunity from previous vaccination, past infections or both. The waning immunity is why people can get repeat infections. 

A vaccine is most effective within the first six months after receiving it. And although protection lowers with time, vaccination will still decrease your likelihood of being hospitalized or dying from COVID.”

If it’s been more than six months since your last COVID shot, it is recommended to get the updated vaccine. Not only will it keep your immunity strong, it will also target newer variants that you may not be immune to yet.

Which Vaccine Should I Get?

There are three vaccines available:

• Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna): mRNA vaccines teach your body’s cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response. That immune response produces antibodies, which help fight the COVID virus.

• A protein subunit vaccine (Novavax): Protein subunit vaccines contain harmless pieces of the virus that causes COVID. These pieces are called the spike protein. In addition to the spike protein, the vaccine also contains an adjuvant, which helps your immune system respond to the actual virus/spike protein in the future.

For people who are not moderately or severely immunocompromised, recommended doses are as follows: 

Initial vaccination:

• Ages 6 months–4 years: 2 doses of 2024–25 Moderna or 3 doses of 2024–25 Pfizer-BioNTech
• Ages 5 and older: 1 dose of 2024–25 Moderna or 1 dose of 2024–25 Pfizer-BioNTech

Received previous doses:

• Ages 6 months–4 years: 1–2 doses of 2024–25 mRNA vaccine from the same manufacturer who administered the initial vaccination, depending on the vaccine and number of prior doses
• Ages 5 and older: 1 dose of 2024–25 Moderna or 1 dose of 2024–25 Pfizer-BioNTech

Additional dosage for ages 65 and older: Not currently recommended.

For people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, recommended doses are as follows: 

Initial vaccination:

• Ages 6 months and older: 3 doses of 2024–25 Moderna or 3 doses of 2024–25 Pfizer-BioNTech

Received previous doses: Recommended mRNA vaccine and number of 2024–25 doses are dependent on age and vaccination history.

Additional dosage for ages 65 and older: Ages 6 months and older may receive 1 or more age-appropriate doses of a 2024–25 mRNA vaccine.

Possible Side Effects of the Updated COVID Vaccine

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the potential side effects from the updated COVID vaccine are similar to past COVID vaccines:

• Soreness or redness at the injection site
• Low-grade fever
• Joint or muscle aches
• Fatigue or tiredness

If you experienced a side effect in the past, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you will experience a side effect with this updated version. Similarly, not experiencing previous side effects doesn’t guarantee you won't experience any this time around. Most side effects resolve on their own within 1–2 days.

Is COVID Still Dangerous?

While the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID is significantly lower than it was at the pandemic's onset, and infections may be milder, COVID can still cause serious complications and lasting effects, particularly in the elderly or immunocompromised. 

Long COVID also remains a potential risk after infection. For both of these reasons, it’s recommended that individuals continue to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of infection and spreading COVID to others.

Next Steps & Resources:

• The latest COVID vaccine is available at select Hackensack Meridian Health locations, and your local pharmacy. 
• Stay on top of your health! Schedule your annual wellness visit today. 

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.