The FDA limited approval of updated COVID-19 vaccines this year to people at higher risk: everyone age 65 and older and younger individuals with at least one high-risk health condition. The CDC's vaccine advisory panel is expected to meet within a month to issue formal recommendations, and the FDA decision does not trigger an immediate nationwide rollout or immediate change in access. Previously, federal guidance recommended vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. Novavax's protein-based vaccine is authorized only for people 12 and older under the same risk-based restrictions. The CDC list of high-risk conditions includes cancer; chronic lung, kidney and liver disease; heart conditions; certain disabilities; HIV; mental health conditions including depression; obesity; and current or former smoking.
As COVID cases keep rising in the Bay Area, keep reading for what we know about the FDA's decision to limit COVID vaccines this year, how it affects children, whether people who aren't considered "high risk" might still be able to get a COVID shot and how it could change health insurance covering these vaccines. Who can get an updated COVID shot this year, according to the FDA?
Previously, the federal government recommended that everyone age 6 months and older should get a COVID shot. But on Wednesday, the FDA said that the updated COVID shots from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are approved for people at higher risk from the disease, which is: Everyone age 65 and older Younger adults and children with at least one high-risk health condition, such as asthma or obesity.
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