The United States introduces an additional choice for autumn COVID vaccination by offering the updated Novavax shots.

On Tuesday, regulators in the United States approved an additional choice for COVID-19 vaccination during the autumn season. This option includes updated shots manufactured by Novavax.

Last month, Pfizer and Moderna released updated vaccines for adults and children as young as 6 months. The Food and Drug Administration has now introduced reformulated Novavax shots as an additional option, available for individuals aged 12 and above.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has already advised the majority of Americans to receive a COVID-19 vaccination for the upcoming fall season. These vaccinations have been adjusted to provide protection against a more recent strain of the coronavirus. Novavax has announced that the shots will be accessible within the next few days.

The immunity against COVID-19, whether acquired through vaccination or a previous infection, diminishes as time passes. Infections have already started to rise again in late summer, and health authorities are optimistic that a sufficient number of individuals will receive the new vaccines to mitigate a potential surge in winter.

Novavax utilizes a distinct technology in creating their vaccine, which involves combining a protein-based formula with an immune-enhancing chemical. This approach differs from the mRNA vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna.

While Pfizer and Moderna have shipped millions of doses, the fall rollout so far has been messy since, for the first time, the government isn’t buying and distributing the COVID-19 shots. Ordering confusion from drugstores and doctors’ offices, distribution delays and even bungled paperwork by insurance companies snarled early appointments.

The revised versions of the vaccine are expected to be available at no cost for individuals with private insurance or Medicare. Additionally, the CDC offers a temporary program to provide free vaccinations to those who do not have insurance or have inadequate coverage.