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US Shifts Focus to Single-Dose COVID Vaccines for Increased Coverage

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Major changes have arrived in the U.S. COVID-19 vaccination landscape, as the government shifts its focus toward updated, more straightforward vaccine recommendations. As a result, the original vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, which once served as the primary defense against the virus for many, have become a thing of the past.

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Now, anyone who has not yet received a bivalent COVID-19 booster or any coronavirus vaccination at all is eligible for a single dose of the updated shot. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with a few exceptions for vulnerable groups, is moving toward a one-shot vaccine regimen for people in the future.

Despite the bivalent shot receiving authorization almost eight months ago, less than a fifth of the eligible U.S. population has gotten the updated booster. Instead, many still depend on the initial series of vaccines to protect them against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

 

Federal officials are hopeful that this new strategy will increase vaccine coverage throughout the country. They point out that a majority of Americans likely have COVID-19 antibodies already from past infections or immunizations, which should enhance overall immunity.

Vaccination rates for follow-up COVID boosters have consistently dropped after each round. Meanwhile, federal regulators disclosed on Tuesday that a newer version of the COVID-19 vaccine, intended to better match current circulating strains, is anticipated in autumn.

Some individuals, particularly those who prioritize staying up-to-date on vaccines, may prefer to hold off until this next version becomes available. This would allow them to avoid the inconvenience of multiple doses spaced months apart.

 

To streamline future immunizations, the FDA issued revised guidance on COVID-19 vaccinations on Tuesday. A key component of the new strategy involves recommending a single dose of the bivalent vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna for most people. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra also emphasized the importance of Hispanic families proactively addressing mental health to tackle the challenges that have long hindered the proper diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses in their community.

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