New COVID Shots Will Be Available Soon — Here's What You Need To Know

As COVID-19 cases continue to surge, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated COVID vaccines from both Pfizer and Moderna on Thursday.

The new vaccines are an update from last year’s shots and aim to keep people better protected by targeting a recently dominant COVID-19 subvariant, KP.2, which more closely resembles the subvariants that are currently making people sick.

“They now cover the strain that is the most commonly circulating strain in the United States, and that’s important because our vaccinations from last year, which, while wonderful, were not targeted to these new strains that we’re seeing now,” said Dr. Jodie Guest, the senior vice chair of the department of epidemiology at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health in Atlanta.

Plus, this year’s shots are available earlier than last year, which is a good thing.

“Having them come out about three weeks earlier than last year is actually better for school. Kids are eligible for them faster, and faculty and staff [are eligible for them] faster as the school year starts, and that’s great news,” Guest said.

What’s more, COVID-19 is circulating at high levels across the country, which makes the timing that much more opportune.

The shots are an important way to decrease your risk of severe disease and hospitalization. Here’s what you need to know about the new shots.

The shots are available to everyone 6 months and older.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the shots for everyone 6 months and older.

The guidance for people age 5 and up is straightforward — you can get the updated shot as long as you’re at least two months out from your last COVID vaccination, Guest said.

For children 6 months to 4 years old, it’s