The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended an updated COVID-19 vaccine for children ages six and older. This comes after a committee of independent advisers’ statement endorsing the measure and the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

A statement said the updated vaccines will be available by the end of this week and will aim to provide protection through the autumn and winter.

“We have more tools than ever to prevent the worst consequences of COVID-19,” said director Mandy Cohen.

The FDA is allowing the use of updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer

The entity pointed out that vaccination still provides the best protection against hospitalization and death from the disease, in addition to reducing the possibilities of suffering the consequences of long COVID.

“Receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine could restore protection and provide better protection against the variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States,” the report said.

As for people who have health insurance, it was noted that it is covered by most plans and does not incur any additional costs. Moreover, you can also get a dose for free.

“This is the first virus season in the fall and winter in which vaccines are available for the three viruses responsible for the majority of hospitalizations: COVID-19, RSV and influenza,” he added.

For people between six months and four years of age who have been previously vaccinated, they can receive an updated mRNA vaccine. “The timing and number of doses to be administered will depend on the COVID-19 vaccine previously received,” the FDA said.

In the case of unvaccinated children between six months and four years old, they can receive three doses of the updated approved Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine or two doses of the updated Moderna vaccine.

“People who receive an updated COVID-19 mRNA vaccine may experience side effects similar to those reported by people who have previously received COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, as described in the respective prescribing information or fact sheets,” so it was explained. (JO)