Title: Biden Administration to Encourage Boosters for COVID-19 Vaccine in Autumn, Amid Rising Infections
Subheading: Moderna Announces Updated Vaccine Effective Against Emerging Subvariants
Date: August 20, 2022
In a bid to combat a new wave of COVID-19 infections, the Biden administration plans to urge all Americans to receive a booster shot for the coronavirus this autumn, as confirmed by a White House official on Sunday. This announcement comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report a recent increase in infections and hospital admissions, although overall levels remain relatively low.
On Thursday, Moderna, a leading COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer, shared preliminary data that revealed the effectiveness of their updated COVID-19 vaccine against the “Eris” and “Fornax” subvariants in humans. This development provides optimism in the fight against emerging strains of the virus.
Joining Moderna in vaccine innovation, other COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers such as Novavax, Pfizer, and their German partner BioNTech SE have also created updated versions of their shots targeting the XBB.1.5 subvariant. Pending approval from health regulators in the United States and Europe, these companies anticipate the availability of the updated vaccines in the upcoming weeks, just in time for the autumn vaccination season.
The White House official emphasized the importance of getting booster shots alongside flu shots and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) shots. This recommendation aligns with efforts to further protect individuals from the virus and its variants during the upcoming flu season.
The Biden administration’s concerted efforts to encourage booster shots reflect a proactive approach to public health and the ongoing fight against COVID-19. As part of a comprehensive strategy to control the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations, this move aims to provide an additional layer of defense against potential breakthrough infections.
The ongoing collaboration between vaccine manufacturers and health regulators to adapt and optimize vaccines for emerging subvariants showcases the resilience and innovation within the scientific community. By staying ahead of the evolving virus, these efforts contribute to the continued success of the global vaccination campaign.
As the autumn season approaches, the message from the Biden administration is clear: get the booster shot. By doing so, individuals can help stem the tide of infections, protect themselves and others, and contribute to the return to a more normal way of life.
Reporting by Steve Holland; Editing by Lisa Shumaker
Note: This article has been written based on the provided content and does not reflect real-time developments in the COVID-19 pandemic.