FDA approves updated COVID shot. Here’s when you can expect to find it in the metro-east
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved new COVID-19 vaccines Thursday, and St. Clair County Health Department officials have ordered them.
The updated vaccines come as the CDC reports Illinois is likely experiencing an increase in COVID-19 infections, and communities across the U.S. have seen a “summer surge” in the virus’ spread. The Illinois Department of Public Health no longer updates a statewide case tracker, but some data is available from the state’s wastewater surveillance system.
COVID variants KP.1, KP.2 and KP.3 and their sublineages have made up many of the U.S.’ new infections as of early August, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges and CDC. These variants are slightly more transmissible from previous versions, the AAMC reports.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated COVID vaccine; the dosage and timing depend on an individual’s vaccination history.
Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines were approved Thursday, and many expect the Novavax shot to receive approval soon. It is safe to get your flu shot and COVID shot at the same appointment, according to the CDC.
“Vaccination continues to be the cornerstone of COVID-19 prevention,” Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a statement Thursday. “These updated vaccines meet the agency’s rigorous, scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality. Given waning immunity of the population from previous exposure to the virus and from prior vaccination, we strongly encourage those who are eligible to consider receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine to provide better protection against currently circulating variants.”
Federal programs to cover the cost of coronavirus vaccines for people who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover the shots have run out of funding, The Hill reported Wednesday, and have ended this month.
“The vaccine is no-cost through most insurance plans if the pharmacy is in network. Some payer systems may not be updated right away, and patients may opt to return at a later date, rather than pay cash and submit to their insurance plan for reimbursement,” CVS officials said in an email to the BND.
When will the new vaccine be available in the metro-east?
The St. Clair County Health Department has ordered the new COVID-19 vaccine, but does not yet have a date set for when they will arrive and become available, spokesperson Brenda Fedak wrote in a Friday morning email to the BND.
When the vaccine does become available, you can schedule an appointment by calling 618-825-4500. Vaccines are administered at the department’s clinic at 19 Public Square in Belleville, the SCCHD website says.
CVS officials expect the new vaccines to become available “within the next few days,” spokesperson Charlie Rice-Minoso wrote in an email to the BND Friday.
Walk-in vaccines will be available when the doses arrive, and CVS’ online vaccine scheduler has appointments available for the new vaccine as early as Wednesday for some Belleville-area locations, though appointment availability may change based on when the vaccines arrive.
The BND has reached out to Walgreens about vaccine availability in the Belleville area and did not receive an immediate response. Walgreens’ website says appointments for the new COVID-19 vaccine are available to patients age 12 or older beginning Sept. 6.
This story may be updated as additional information becomes available.
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