What to Know About the New COVID-19 Booster Shots
Lindsay Knake
| 2 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Two updated COVID-19 booster shots were approved on Thursday, August 22 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The new vaccines soon will be available to the public.
The new monovalent vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna include protection against the Omicron variant KP.2 strain. The KP strains have made up more than 70% of COVID-19 cases in 2024, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The FDA will announce COVID-19 vaccine updates from other manufacturers in the coming weeks.
The CDC recommends everyone age 6 months and older receive a dose of the updated COVID vaccines by the end of October. Those who received the 2023-2024 vaccine had greater protection against illness and hospitalization than those who didn’t.
COVID-19 cases have risen throughout the summer. While Michigan has “low” levels of COVID viral activity as of mid-August cases are higher in the southern U.S.
Symptoms of the new COVID variants are consistent with previous versions:
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Shortness of breath
Here are tips to prevent infection:
- Get vaccinated: The COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself against the virus and serious complications. You can receive the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time.
- Wash your hands regularly: Thoroughly washing your hands for 20 seconds protects against many illnesses.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth: Viruses spread by droplets an infected person expels when they cough, sneeze or talk.
- Wear a mask and keep your distance: If you are sick or around people who are, covering your mouth and nose with a mask and staying six feet from others can reduce your chances of getting sick.
- If you do not feel well, stay home and isolate yourself to prevent the virus's spread.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan covers the new COVID-19 vaccine. To find a vaccine near you, search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233.
Talk to your primary care provider if you have an underlying condition to make sure the new COVID-19 vaccination is safe for you.
Image: Getty Images
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