WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — The updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are now available at a pharmacy or doctor near you. The vaccines have been designed to better protect against the circulating variants of the COVID-19 virus.
The CDC recommends the updated shots for everyone six months of age and older.
“For six months to four years of age is where you have to do the three of Pfizer and two of Moderna. If you've never received any," suggests Dr. Steven Barrows, primary care physician at UPMC Williamsport. “For five years of age and up, those previously vaccinated are eligible for a single dose of the newest form of the vaccine.”
The FDA says you can get the updated vaccines at least two months after having your last shot.
If you recently tested positive for the virus, the CDC says you may want to wait three months after having COVID-19 to get these updated vaccines.
“I can't say I saw much of it over the summer. But in the last, probably, month or two, there's been an increase in the number of people testing positive that have called into the office and complaining of symptoms,” said Dr. Barrows.
Dr. Barrows adds that the symptoms patients are dealing with now aren't as severe as those caused by the original COVID-19 virus.
“Certainly, people who have pre-existing conditions, multiple medical issues, or are older and more susceptible to illness can still get very sick from it, but the majority of people we see affected aren't nearly as ill as they were originally,” said Dr. Barrows.
If you have any questions regarding the new COVID-19 vaccines, talk to your primary care physician.
New COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against the latest variant | Healthwatch 16
The updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are now available at a pharmacy or doctor near you.