There is an updated prediction for when Covid booster shots targeting the omicron's BA.5 subvariant could be available.
At a virtual event hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation on Tuesday, the White House's Covid response coordinators said that the vaccine will be available by the middle of September.
The most specific estimate to date is Jha's, following comments from health officials indicating a potential launch in September or October. The booster shots are expected to sail relatively smoothly through vetting from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Both Moderna and Pfizer make the booster shots that are being considered by the FDA and CDC. The original Covid strain and omicron's BA.5 subvariant represent 85% to 90% of all U.S. cases.
Emphasizing that BA.5 is "incredibly immune evasive" and "contagious", he said that it is fueling breakthrough cases among vaccine recipients. As vaccine immunity fades and people spend more time indoors, the subvariant could wreak more havoc in the fall.
In terms of their ability to prevent infections, prevent transmission and prevent serious illness, these are substantial improvements in our vaccines. The vaccines are very soon.
He expected the updated shots to be available as booster shots for fully-vaccinated and un-vaccinated people. He told NBC that he thinks every American over the age of 12 will be able to vote.
The FDA said in June that omicron-specific shots would not be available to unvaccinated people. It is not clear if any specific age groups will be first in line for the updated shots, or if everyone will be eligible.
CNBC made a request for comment from the FDA and CDC.
The United Kingdom became the first country in the world to authorize a dual Covid booster shot. The U.K. has a booster formula that is slightly different from the one being considered in the U.S. According to a U.K. regulatory agency, it generated a good immune response.
The U.K. has green-lighted Covid shots over the past two years, from the original vaccine in December 2020 to booster shots in September 2021.
The importance of getting a new booster as soon as possible was emphasized by Jha at the Chamber event.
People need to get the new shot this fall and winter. It is designed for the viruses that are out there. It should be very effective against the new variant.
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