The COVID-19 vaccine remains the most powerful weapon against the virus. As new variants emerge and the virus continues to evolve, staying updated with vaccinations is important to protecting yourself and others.
According to the CDC, all individuals ages 5 years and older should receive one dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against severe illness. New 2023–2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines are offered by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax.
This article discusses the new COVID-19 vaccines, their key features, and why you should consider scheduling your COVID-19 vaccination today.
1. Why Should You Get Another COVID Vaccine?
The updated COVID-19 vaccines are specifically tailored to address the evolving nature of the virus. While no vaccine can guarantee complete immunity from infection, the primary objective of these updated vaccines is to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death caused by COVID-19.
Even if you have received previous doses, getting another vaccination can bolster your body’s immune response and provide additional protection against emerging variants. People who are immunocompromised can receive multiple doses of the new COVID-19 vaccine. Those ages 65 and older who have received one dose of any updated 2023-2024 vaccine should get an additional dose at least 4 months later.
With COVID-19 still posing a significant threat to public health, every additional layer of defense counts in our fight to stop the spread of the virus.
2. What are the New COVID Vaccines?
The 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines are offered by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax. Here’s a brief overview of each:
- Pfizer-BioNTech – The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, also known as Comirnaty, is an mRNA vaccine that works by instructing cells to produce a harmless protein that triggers an immune response.
- Moderna – Similar to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is an mRNA vaccine that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
- Novavax – The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, also known as NVX-CoV2373, is a protein subunit vaccine that contains harmless pieces of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. This vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies without using live virus particles.
3. How are the New COVID Vaccines Different?
The updated COVID-19 vaccines incorporate insights gained from ongoing research and surveillance of virus variants. These vaccines are designed to target specific mutations found in newer strains of the virus, which makes them more effective against currently circulating variants.
Here are some notable key features of the new COVID-19 vaccines for the 2023-2024 season:
- Formulation – The updated COVID-19 vaccines are reformulated to target the latest circulating variants, such as the XBB variant, to enhance efficacy and provide broader protection.
- Target Population – Specific recommendations have been made for unvaccinated individuals ages 6 months to 11 years who are moderately or severely immunocompromised to receive an initial vaccination with the updated formula.
- Overall Efficacy – The 2023-2024 formulation of all COVID-19 vaccines (Moderna, Novavax, and Pfizer-BioNTech) has undergone updates to enhance effectiveness and adapt to the evolving virus landscape.
Staying informed and updated with the latest vaccines ensures that you’re receiving the most effective vaccine protection available against the virus.
4. When Should I Schedule the New COVID Vaccine?
The ideal time to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine is as soon as it becomes available at your nearest family medicine clinic. This ensures timely protection against COVID-19 and its variants.
Getting vaccinated not only protects you but also contributes to the overall health of your community. By reducing the spread of COVID-19, you help to safeguard vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and immunocompromised individuals, who are at higher risk of severe illness.
Furthermore, protecting yourself against COVID-19 through vaccination also provides peace of mind and allows you to engage in daily activities with reduced fear of infection.
COVID-19 Vaccine in Orlando, FL
At Premier Medical Group, we are committed to offering quality healthcare that is easily accessible to all. If you would like to get the latest COVID-19 vaccine for the family, we are more than happy to be your provider. We provide vaccines to the entire family as part of our family medicine services.
Our family physicians look forward to being your one-stop shop for all your healthcare needs. Some of our services include pediatric services, physicals and wellness checks, and chronic disease management. To schedule your family’s COVID-19 vaccination with us today, call (407) 735-2114 or use our online appointment request form.