Fall COVID Vaccines Receive FDA Approval

New COVID shots got the green light on Thursday, but actually getting one might not be straightforward. The FDA authorized updated vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer, and Sanofi/Novavax for this fall, aimed at the XFG variant now dominant in North America, the New York Times reports. Eligibility mirrors last year's: everyone 65 and up, plus younger people with conditions that raise the risk of severe COVID, such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, pregnancy, some mental illnesses, and heart or lung disease. Moderna's shot is cleared for ages 6 months and older, Pfizer's for 5 and over, and Sanofi's for 12 and over.

Doctors can still give shots "off label" to others, though pharmacy rules and state laws may limit that in practice. The wild cards are access and cost. A court ruling has left the CDC's vaccine advisory panel in limbo, which could affect whether pharmacists are allowed to give the shots in some states and whether private insurers must cover them. Medicare will pay; major insurers say they'll voluntarily follow suit, but employer plans can vary. The Vaccines for Children program is especially uncertain. The Washington Post notes that it's not clear whether new government recommendations are coming. Still, experts say the shots are safe and should boost protection against infection and severe illness. High-risk people are advised to get them as soon as available, with others timing doses ahead of winter or holiday travel.