CDCが秋の新型コロナワクチンを承認：知っておくべきこと！
A controversial decision, the CDC’s fall COVID shot recommendations. In a move that has sparked debate and confusion, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, has updated its COVID vaccine guidance, leaving many wondering about its implications. The new guidelines signed off by acting CDC director Jim O’Neal recommend COVID shots for individuals aged 65 and older, but with a catch. They must first consult a doctor or pharmacist. This decision has caused quite a stir, especially considering the recent actions of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy, known for his antivaccine stance, has made bold claims about the COVID vaccine, labeling it as the deadliest vaccine ever made. His influence has led to the firing of all 17 members of the influential vaccine panel, replacing them with individuals who share his skepticism. But here’s where it gets controversial. The CDC’s signoff doesn’t explicitly bar younger individuals from getting vaccinated. It simply adds an extra layer of complexity, a so-called shared clinical decision-making process. Dr. Ivon Maldonado, a professor at Stanford University, describes it as a vague term, suggesting that individuals should be informed about the risks and benefits by their health care providers. The CDC’s advisory panel recommends COVID shots for those under 65 who are at increased risk for severe COVID due to underlying conditions. However, the benefit of vaccination is lowest for those under 65 who are not at increased risk. This nuanced recommendation has left states with a complex task of interpreting and implementing these guidelines. And this is the part most people miss. The impact of these recommendations varies depending on where you live. States have traditionally followed the CDC’s guidance, particularly that of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, ACIP. However, prior to the CDC’s announcement, 26 states, mostly with Democratic governors, had already set their own COVID shot guidelines, aiming to maintain broad access. The result, a hodgepodge of co vaccine policies across the nation. Dr. Ofer Levy, director of the precision vaccines program at Boston Children’s Hospital, describes it as an unprecedentedly complicated landscape. For instance, Illinois, Maryland, and Washington DC officially recommend universal COVID vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older, while states like California, Michigan, and Minnesota recommend the shots for those aged three and older. Viruses don’t respect state borders. Levy emphasizes protecting different states differently is confusing, inconsistent, and leaves certain people vulnerable. Additionally, the CDC’s focus on older adults may discourage some doctor’s offices from stocking the vaccine, potentially creating obstacles for those who want it. Last season, only 23% of adults and 13% of children received the COVID vaccine, according to the CDC. Despite these challenges, major pharmacy chains like CVS Health and Walgreens are ready to administer COVID shots to eligible individuals as soon as the CDC gives the green light. Walgreens in particular will offer the vaccines to children as young as 3 years old without a prescription. So, do you need a COVID shot? While the summer surge in cases appears to have peaked, history has shown us that a winter wave is likely. The COVID vaccine, much like the flu shot, reduces the chances of severe illness, hospitalization, or death, even if it doesn’t guarantee complete protection against infection. The updated COVID shots from Fizer and Madna target the LP.8.1 variant, which was dominant earlier this year, but has since been overtaken by newer variants. Novivvax’s updated shot targets an older strain, JN.1. As of September 27th, LP.8.1 accounts for only 3% of new COVID cases with the XFG strain now dominant, responsible for at least 85% of new cases. All these strains are descendants of the omocron variant which emerged in late 2021. Research presented by Madna and Fizer suggests that the updated shot generates a stronger immune response to the circulating strains compared to last year’s co shots. Immunity typically builds a few weeks after vaccination. As for cost, most people with insurance should be able to get the COVID vaccine for free this year. Private health plans and government programs like Medicare and Medicaid will continue to cover the shots at no cost to the individual. The CDC’s fall co shot recommendations have sparked a complex debate, leaving many with questions. What are your thoughts on these guidelines? Do you think they will impact your decision to get vaccinated?
The CDC has officially recommended Covid shots for individuals 65 and older. But what does this mean for everyone else?
In this video, we discuss:
– The latest CDC guidelines on Covid vaccinations
– How the vaccination process may differ by state
– Impact of new recommendations on different age groups
– The role of doctors in vaccination decisions
– The importance of getting vaccinated despite changing variants
Stay informed and understand how to navigate the new Covid vaccination landscape!
