The US Food and Drug Administration approved updated Covid-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Modern and Novavax on Wednesday (August 27), but narrowed their recommended use, especially for younger adults and children. The changes are a significant shift from previous guidance, which recommended annual shots for all Americans six months and older. Limitations for younger population The new guidance allows all seniors to receive the updated vaccines, but younger adults and children can only be vaccinated if they have at least one high-risk health, such as asthma or obesity. The Pfizer vaccine will no longer be available to children under five, as the FDA has revoked its emergency use authorization for that age group. Moderna’s Spikevax remains available to children as young as six months, but only for those with serious health conditions. Novavax’s protein-based vaccine is approved for individuals 12 and older under similar restrictions. The focus on new virus variants The updated vaccines are designed to target the LP.8.1 Coronavirus sub -type, a recently dominant version of the virus. Pfizer and Moderna expect doses to be available within days, while Novavax expects early in the fall. Access and coverage challenges The risk -based approach can create millions of Americans barriers. Patients under 65 may need to provide documentation of a qualifying health condition, a process that is complicated by the fact that most vaccinations are administered by pharmacists, which often cannot collect such information. Insurance coverage may also vary, which may require a cost of $ 150 or more for those who are not considered a high risk. Debates among medical experts Some groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have criticized the new limits, and warned that healthy children cannot be blocked in vaccines that they can protect. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Emphasized that vaccines will still be “available to all patients who choose it after consulting with their doctors.”
FDA Limit Covid-19 vaccine access for healthy children and adults-it’s what you need to know
