Should You Get the COVID-19 Vaccine in 2024? Check Out the Updated Vaccines and Who Should Get Them!
The virus called SARS-CoV-2 changed our lives and perspective over life a few years ago. It seems like nothing has been the same since the virus spread uncontrollably all around the world. In 2020, some people became more sensitive and scared, while others were seriously affected by the loss of their loved ones and they still can’t fully recover.
COVID-19 isn’t just a virus that makes us feel sick. It’s a phenomenon that makes us feel depressed, lose trust in ourselves, and become alone, and isolated. Sometimes, it feels like a bad dream. Have we really been through all these phases? The worst is that we never got back to what life used to be before March 2020 and even though 4 years have passed by, we are still dealing with this problem. A lot of people lost their lives, while a lot of people’s lives have totally changed.
We all heard people saying that they feel more anxious and depressed in the past few years. Unfortunately, more and more young people and teenagers are living isolated lives, being comforted by their phones and other electronic devices.
Did COVID-19 Changed Our Lives and Shaped Our Future?
How can a quarantine period not change us? It’s impossible. Being forced to follow strict rules, and not being left to travel or live normally, seriously affected a lot of Americans’ mental health. The worst part is that the virus seems like reappearing every few months and protection measures are still a MUST. So, we can’t say that we’ll ever recover.
As you already know, many doctors and scientists have publicly discussed their opinions on the vaccine topic, and we can resume everything by saying that people should get vaccinated, especially those who fall into the risk categories.
All these decisions and decisions that were and still are life-threatening completely changed our perspectives and strongly influenced our steps, no matter our age.
Do You Need to Get the New Vaccine?
Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, the AMA’s liaison to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) claimed that getting the updated dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is, by far, the best choice if we want to update our immunity and stay protected.
COVID-19 cases are rising again and all patients should take advantage. Doctor Fryhofer says that scientists are almost sure that this vaccine will be better and has significantly improved.
In June, the ACIP voted to recommend the updated vaccines, and in late August, the FDA authorized and approved Pfizer and Moderna mRNA versions of the 2024-2025 updated COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the updated protein-based Novavax vaccine.
Since the vaccine received the green light from The Food and Drug Administration, it started its way to clinics and pharmacies around the United States.
EVERYONE 6 months or older should get a dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
What Have Been Changed?
Most of the COVID-19-related hospitalizations are among patients 65 or older. Even though last year additional doses were recommended, this year things have changed. So, additional updated doses are not recommended anymore for those 65 or older. It’s not a final decision, it can change. But, for now, keep in mind that if you’re a retiree, a single dose should be more than enough in your case.
On the other side, people with immunocompromising conditions, as well as children under 5 years old, may need more doses.
Keep in mind that even though the CDC recommends vaccination for everyone 6 months old and up, only the mRNA Pfizer and Moderna versions are authorized for those under 12 years old.
In contrast, the updated Novavax is authorized only for those aged 12 or older.
The Timing of Doses
For all those who opt for Novavax, FDA authorization insists on the importance of an initial two-dose primary Novax series with doses given three weeks apart.
Dr. Fryhofer says that it depends a lot on the type of vaccine you received in the past and the number of doses because the Novavax vaccine isn’t as straightforward. For the updated mRNA vaccines, CDC and FDA recommend a dose at least two months after the last dose of any COVID vaccine.
Anyone who recently suffered from COVID-19 can wait a little longer. In order to maximize immune response to vaccination, there are recommended at least three months of break after infection.
The updated Novavax vaccine can be gotten at least two months after the previous completion of a Novavax two-dose primary series. The updated version of the Novavax vaccine can be used to complete this primary series.
If you want to know what are the latest updates and take the information from a verified source, we recommend you AMA Update YouTube channel. In case you’re not a fan of YouTube, they also have some podcasts that can be easily found online at ama-assn.org/podcasts.
This way, you can hear from experts and physicians about trending public health topics and concerns.
COVID Tests
Considering that the COVID-19 cases are increasing again, we should all be prepared and have some tests at home. It’s better to test ourselves and see what the issue is since the beginning of your symptoms and not wait until the virus can develop and transform into a life-threatening level.
On Amazon, you can find some of the best COVID-19 tests, they are, by far, bestsellers and have great reviews. Even though you are doing completely fine now, we advise you to purchase them and be prepared in case of an emergency. As we grow old we can become easily sick and even a simple flu can feel like a bad dream.
We want to admit it or not, there is a lot of confusion going on each time we are talking about all these new viruses that are putting our lives in danger. How can we understand what we are dealing with? Or if it is dangerous or not? It’s hard to tell, and unfortunately, there are fewer and fewer doctors we trust. All the negative news and misinformation from the media made us ask ourselves twice before making any move or step about our health.
In case you are feeling anxious or depressed and feel like can’t control your thoughts anymore, you should definitely see a specialist and talk about it. The bad news is not going to disappear and what we all need to do is to adapt to the reality we live in. It’s 2024, and yes, we are still dealing with COVID, the battle is not over, but there are a lot of advantages compared to when it first appeared. So, if you want to see the bright side, you’ll can. It just needs a little bit of effort.
Stay safe and take care of yourself and your loved ones. Encourage all your friends and family to stay informed and get the vaccines if that is what their doctors are saying is best. Also, keep listening to your what body is trying to tell you because there are situations when you know best what works for you. Observe your symptoms and get immediate help if you feel like you may be in danger.
Are you interested in learning more about this topic? You should also read: Is That Sore Throat the Flu, RSV, COVID, or a Cold? How to Tell the Difference?
