FDA and CDC to Approve Updated COVID-19 Booster Shot in Mid-September, Urging Public to Get Current Vaccine Now

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to approve a new vaccine dose designed to target currently circulating variants of the virus in the coming weeks, according to officials from the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This updated COVID-19 booster shot will be available to the American public in mid-September.

The new vaccine is designed to broaden immunity for currently circulating variants of the virus. A CDC official told NBC News that the goal is to “make sure we’re using those tools.” However, if someone gets the current COVID-19 vaccine now or in early September, they may not be eligible for one of the updated boosters after they are rolled out in mid-September.

The CDC is now warning most vaccinated Americans against seeking out getting another booster this month, despite signs of a weekslong increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations nationwide. Vaccination is still considered key this year, as immunity wanes and the virus continues to change.

The FDA and CDC are urging the public to get the current vaccine now, as it is still effective against the virus. They also stress the importance of continuing to follow safety protocols, such as wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing hands regularly, to help prevent the spread of the virus.