**FDA Authorizes Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Targeting Variants**
ASHEVILLE – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized an updated COVID-19 vaccine that specifically targets the variants currently in circulation, according to a news release on Sept. 11. Local health experts in Buncombe County, North Carolina, are anticipating the arrival of these doses within the week, including at the health department on Coxe Avenue.
The updated vaccine is available for individuals aged 5 and older, provided they have not received a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine within the past two months. Children between 6 months and 4 years old may receive varying doses depending on their vaccination history. Public health officials are recommending a booster dose for everyone older than 6 months.
The FDA stated that unless a more significant variant emerges, COVID-19 vaccines will be updated annually similar to flu vaccines. The manufacturing process for these vaccines is similar to previous formulas, and their efficacy is also comparable, as per the FDA. North Carolina State Epidemiologist Zack Moore disclosed to the Citizen Times on Sept. 13 that there is currently no dominant variant, but prevalent strains belong to the omicron subvariant family, which first gained prominence in November 2021.
Moore also mentioned that individuals who previously experienced strong reactions to COVID-19 vaccinations may expect similar experiences with the updated vaccine. He advised them to plan for a lighter day post-vaccination.
According to a news release from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) on Sept. 13, healthcare providers have already started pre-ordering the fall COVID-19 vaccines since Sept. 8, and supplies may begin entering the state by the end of the week. Providers and pharmacies are required to order supplies directly from manufacturers, as per the NCDHHS.
The majority of health insurance plans will cover the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost, according to the NCDHHS. Additionally, the Vaccines for Children program, a federal vaccine supply program, offers free vaccines to children aged 18 and below who are Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, or do not have insurance that adequately covers vaccine costs. Some adults may also be eligible for free vaccines through the federal Bridge Access Program, which is administered by CVS and Walgreens under contract with the federal government.
These programs are particularly beneficial for North Carolinians awaiting access to expanded Medicaid, the state-run insurance company for low-income individuals. North Carolina will become the 40th state to expand the program after Governor Roy Cooper signed the legislation on March 27. However, the implementation of the program is tied to the passing of the state budget, currently under debate in Raleigh.
Moore encouraged individuals without access to insurance-covered vaccines to contact their primary care provider, local pharmacy, health department, or community health center to inquire about vaccine availability.
Buncombe County will administer vaccines through its immunization clinic located at 40 Coxe Ave. Ellis Matheson, the county’s public health director, stated that the county is anticipating the arrival of vaccines soon.
Both Matheson and Moore also urged individuals to receive their flu shots concurrently. Additionally, there is a vaccine available for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for individuals above 60 years old.
They also emphasized that individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should adhere to the CDC’s isolation guidelines, as well as masking and testing guidelines for those who have been exposed.
According to employees at the Hendersonville Road CVS and Walgreens, both companies are awaiting vaccine shipments before offering appointments online. CVS is currently in the process of approving the vaccine.
In terms of COVID-19 levels in Buncombe County, wastewater testing conducted by the Buncombe County Metropolitan Sewer District on Sept. 6 revealed levels between the 80th and 99th percentiles compared to past measures at the same site, according to state tracking. While there has been an increase in COVID-19 hospital admissions in the past week, the numbers remain low enough for Buncombe County to be classified in the CDC’s “green zone,” which is the lowest level in the federal measurement system.
Asheville City Schools follow guidelines provided by the Mountain Area Health Education Center to prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to spokesperson Dillon Huffman. These guidelines include policies related to staying home, returning to school, and wearing masks. The school district relies on individuals to self-report if children become sick, and the county health department should be notified if cases begin to rise. School nurses also offer free COVID-19 tests to families who cannot afford them.
Free COVID-19 tests are available at the county DHHS office and various locations in Asheville, according to the Citizen Times. The federal government’s free COVID-19 testing mail program was paused on May 31.
Huffman mentioned that the CDC does not require individuals to report COVID-19 infections, which means that schools cannot track the spread of the virus within their communities. However, attendance rates have not been affected.
Buncombe County Schools follow the same COVID-19 spread prevention guidelines as Asheville City Schools, said spokesperson Stacia Harris in an email to the Citizen Times. Responding to queries regarding increased absences due to rising COVID-19 cases, Harris stated that county schools also do not track COVID-19 infections.
*Citizen Times Education Reporter McKenna Leavens contributed to this report.*
*Mitchell Black covers Buncombe County and healthcare for the Citizen Times. For inquiries, email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @MitchABlack. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Citizen Times.*