The Latest Round of Pfizer and Moderna Covid Vaccines: What You Need to Know

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved updated mRNA-based vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna during a summer surge of the virus. It's important to understand the differences in the shots, who is eligible, where to get a vaccine, and more.

What makes these shots different?

As the Covid virus mutates into new strains, U.S. health officials advise patients to expect annual updates to their Covid shots to maintain immunity. This is similar to the annual flu shot rollout in the U.S.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are aimed at the KP.2 strain, a variant of the JN.1 subvariant that emerged in the U.S. and is highly contagious.

The dominant strain of the virus in May, KP.2, now accounts for only roughly 3% of all U.S. cases as of Aug. 17, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.

Both Pfizer and Moderna have stated that their latest vaccines are capable of generating stronger immune responses against other circulating variants, including KP.3, compared to the vaccines developed last year to target the omicron strain XBB.1.5.

Nearly 17% of U.S. cases are accounted for by KP.3, while almost 37% are due to KP.3.1.1, according to CDC data.

During a briefing on Friday, CDC Director Mandy Cohen stated that the updated vaccine closely matches the KP.3 family of viruses that continues to grow in dominance, which is the good news.

Who is eligible?

The new Covid vaccine should be given to everyone aged 6 months and above, according to the CDC.

Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, advised NPR last week that people should wait at least two-to-three months after their last Covid vaccination or infection before getting an updated shot to maximize protection.

Officials emphasized the significance of high-risk individuals staying current with their Covid vaccinations, including those aged 65 and above, immunocompromised individuals, and those with serious medical conditions.

When will the shots be available?

Pfizer and Moderna announced that their new vaccines would be accessible in pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics across the U.S. "in the near future."

Starting on Sept. 6, people ages 12 and above can schedule vaccination appointments at Walgreens stores nationwide, the company announced on Thursday.

Rite-Aid's online vaccine scheduler offers appointments for early September. Meanwhile, CVS' scheduler shows appointments for as early as Wednesday.

The CDC intends to reintroduce its vaccine appointment finder when the shots are more broadly accessible.

When should I get a vaccine?

Marks, head of the FDA, stated to NPR that he would likely receive the updated shots as soon as possible because the variant targeted by the vaccine is similar to the strains currently circulating in the U.S.

"Marks stated that getting vaccinated during September to early October would provide protection through December/January, but the immunity would gradually decrease over time."

Can I get it for free?

Through the federally-funded Vaccines for Children program, children can receive free shots.

Last week, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, announced that the CDC has secured $62 million in funding for state and local immunization programs to cover the cost of Covid vaccines for uninsured and underinsured adults.

Can I get Novavax's shot?

The company has filed for authorization of a new protein-based shot that aims to protect against descendants of the JN.1 strain, including KP.2.3, KP.3, KP.3.1.1, and LB.1.

Novavax is collaborating "effectively" with the FDA as the agency finalizes its evaluation, and the company anticipates obtaining authorization for its vaccine before the peak vaccination season in the US.

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Latest in health-care tech: CNBC tests out Dexcom's new CGM Stelo

A CGM is a small sensor that attaches to the skin and measures real-time glucose levels, which is a type of sugar that people get from carbohydrates and is the body's primary energy source.

High glucose levels can result in severe health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease over time. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are usually given to patients with diabetes to track their glucose levels and receive alerts for potential emergencies.

The device, Stelo, is intended for adults with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes who do not use insulin, though it is also accessible to individuals without these conditions. It was launched in the U.S. on Monday following the Food and Drug Administration's approval in March.

Stelo can be purchased online for $99 for a one-month supply or $89 per month for ongoing subscriptions. Flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts can be used to pay for it, Dexcom stated. Dexcom is partnering with Amazon to fulfill Stelo deliveries.

Using the sensor for a few weeks has taught me a lot, and I believe it's an effortless product to try for a beginner's understanding of glucose data.

The Stelo app pairs with the sensor applied to your arm, and everything you need is in the box once your sensors arrive at your home.

The app provides step-by-step instructions, so you don't have to worry. I applied Dexcom's sensor to my right arm, pressed the button, and it adhered perfectly. The applicator contains a small needle that may seem intimidating, but I didn't feel any discomfort.

After connecting to the Stelo app via Bluetooth, the CGM requires approximately 30 minutes to warm up.

I removed the CGM by peeling it off like a sticker. I replaced it with a new sensor on my other arm, and it warmed up and functioned properly. Since then, I haven't experienced any further bleeding issues. If you encounter any problems with Stelo while using it, you can contact the chat feature on the website for assistance or a replacement if needed.

Overall, I believe the sensor is quite simple to wear. It's waterproof and can last up to 15 days, which is a new record for Dexcom. The sensor is gray and roughly the size of a quarter with a thickness of about half an inch. Although it occasionally caught on long sleeves, I felt comfortable wearing it under any clothing. I didn't feel it while sleeping either.

The app interface of Stelo is user-friendly, and Dexcom effectively presents data in a way that is not overwhelming or confusing.

The "Events" page on the tab next to the home page allows you to log meals, activity, fingersticks, and other notes related to blood sugar levels. While it's not necessary to log every detail of your day, Jake Leach, chief operating officer at Dexcom, emphasized the importance of logging when experiencing a glucose spike.

Notable glucose spikes occur when the amount of sugar in the bloodstream rapidly increases and then decreases, often after eating. Stelo will notify you when you experience a spike, and logging an entry can help you reflect on what might be causing them, Leach said.

Reading the articles in the "Learn" tab of the app is a great way to understand concepts like glucose, its effects, and why it's important, especially if you're new to using a CGM.

In just a few weeks, I have learned a lot about my body's response to food and activity with Stelo. With the tech now available over-the-counter, it's likely that Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) will become the next big tech wearable in the U.S.

Rewritten sentence: Please provide any tips, suggestions, story ideas, and data to Ashley at [email protected].