SAN DIEGO — The most recent COVID-19 vaccine is now available. It comes as San Diego is experiencing a summer surge. The virus is only expected to spread, the farther we get into fall.
San Diego County's positivity rate is 18% which is similar to the nationwide average. So once again, health experts are saying like the annual flu shot, it's time for another COVID vaccine.
"COVID-19 remains a significant health risk and it is the leading cause for hospitalizations related to respiratory illness regardless of their age or health condition," James Mansi said, who is the VP of Medical Affairs at Moderna.
For nearly five years, the COVID-19 virus has been mutating and circulating around the world.
"Hundreds of Americans died in the last week, from COVID, which is a vaccine preventable disease," Mansi said.
Mansi says Moderna's latest shot, Spikevax - is a close match, to the KP variants that are spreading now and causing this summer surge.
"The vaccines have gone through rigorous evaluation," Mansi added.
This latest Moderna vaccine just approved by the FDA is now available at pharmacies and doctors offices. It's covered by private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. If you don't have insurance, there are a variety of programs offering it for free.
"We've seen the effectiveness from last season, that's upwards of 67% against hospitalizations and severe outcomes, compared to those who didn't get the vaccine. More than 50% of children who were hospitalized had no underlying medical condition," Mansi said.
Regardless of the severity, he says your risk of developing long-COVID increases with every infection so this new vax also decreases those chances, by around 70 percent.
"Staying up to date on vaccines, is one way to protect yourself and your loved ones," he added.
The now annual vaccine recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control is still under an emergency use authorization, for anyone six months and older. They say it raises your level of immunity because your previous vaccine, wears off over time. Those under the age of four would get two shots total, one month apart. The rest of us only need one shot. And if you recently had COVID, the CDC recommends waiting three months. They also say it is safe to get your flu shot at the same time.
I asked, "What are the side effects for this new vaccine? Mansi said, "Pain at the site of injection, maybe some redness, a mild fever. We need to focus on healthy living, in which vaccines are a core component."
If you are skeptical or have any specific questions about the vaccine and your health, you're encouraged to talk to your doctor.
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