Title: Navigating the COVID Vaccine Rollout: Deciphering Priority Recipients

Explainer: Who should get a COVID vaccine this year?

The Authorization of Updated COVID-19 Vaccines

The U.S. drug regulator has recently authorized updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, BioNTech, and Moderna, with a third vaccine from Novavax still under review. These updated vaccines have been approved for emergency use in individuals aged 12 and above, and for children aged 6 months through 11 years. As the country prepares to start an autumn vaccination campaign, one important question remains: Who should receive the COVID vaccine this year?

Differentiating This Year’s Vaccine

Pfizer with BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax have all created new versions of their COVID-19 vaccines. Unlike last year’s booster shot that included the original strain of the virus and the then-dominant Omicron variant, this year’s shot specifically targets the XBB.1.5 variant, which has been the predominant variant through most of 2023. The companies have reported that their retooled vaccines have been shown to be effective against newer Omicron subvariants, including the highly mutated BA.2.86.

Vaccinating Seniors, the Immunocompromised, and Pregnant Individuals

There is broad consensus among doctors that seniors, the immunocompromised, and pregnant individuals should receive at least an annual COVID-19 vaccine. These groups have an elevated risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. The British government’s vaccine committee has stated that only adults aged 65 and older and some other high-risk categories will be offered the shot, as they are the most likely to benefit.

Recommendation for Younger, Healthy Adults

The question of whether younger, healthy adults should receive the new vaccine annually is a topic of debate among doctors. Some believe that the vaccine should be recommended for everyone, similar to influenza vaccines. Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious diseases specialist, suggests a simple and straightforward recommendation: “If you’re six months of age or older, you should get a flu vaccine. Sounds good to me for COVID also.” However, Dr. Paul Offit, a University of Pennsylvania infectious disease expert, believes that the shots should be recommended annually only for high-risk groups, as studies have not shown the booster shots to protect against disease in lower-risk populations.

Considerations for People Suffering with Long COVID

While there is limited data suggesting that vaccination after infection may reduce long COVID symptoms, doctors emphasize that a second episode of COVID-19 could rekindle prior long COVID or worsen ongoing symptoms. Vaccination could potentially help protect against that. Further research is needed to determine the exact benefits of vaccination for individuals with long COVID.

COVID-19 Vaccination in Children

The need for COVID-19 vaccination in children is a subject of varying opinions. University of Minnesota epidemiologist Michael Osterholm points out that, currently, children represent a larger percentage of deaths and hospitalizations among individuals with COVID. While hospitalizations in general are relatively low for children, recent data from the CDC shows that people ages 17 and under have accounted for around 5-6% of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the past month. Dr. Osterholm believes that if parents want to vaccinate their children, they should be allowed to do so. On the other hand, Dr. David Boulware, a University of Minnesota infectious diseases specialist, considers giving children boosters unnecessary unless there is an immunocompromised person in the household. The American Academy of Pediatrics will make its recommendations after the CDC’s advisory committee meets.

Conclusion

As the U.S. prepares for its autumn vaccination campaign, the question of who should receive the COVID vaccine this year remains a topic of discussion among healthcare professionals. While there is broad consensus that seniors, the immunocompromised, and pregnant individuals should receive the vaccine, opinions differ on whether younger, healthy adults and children should also be vaccinated annually. The efficacy of booster shots in lower-risk populations and the potential benefits for individuals suffering from long COVID are areas that require further research. The decisions made regarding vaccine recommendations will shape the country’s public health strategy in the ongoing battle against COVID-19.

Reporting by Michael Erman, Additional reporting by Julie Steenhuysen in Chicago and Maggie Fick in London; Editing by Caroline Humer and Will Dunham

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