Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Getting the Updated Vaccine
- Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations
- Vaccination Options Outside of VA
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 1. Why are updated COVID-19 vaccines being recommended now?
- 2. How do updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines work?
- 3. How are these updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines different from the other COVID-19 vaccines?
- 4. Who can get an updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S.?
- 5. Can I get a flu shot and updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 shot at the same time?
- 6. What are the risks of getting an updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine?
- 7. Should I get an updated vaccine if I already had COVID?
- 8. I already received COVID-19 boosters. Do I need to get the updated 2023-2024 vaccine?
- 9. Can I receive a Moderna updated 2023-2024 vaccine if I previously received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine?
- 10. Will I need more COVID-19 vaccinations after this? How often will I need to get a COVID-19 vaccine?
Introduction
The Cincinnati VA Medical Center and its six Community Based Outpatient Clinics are now offering updated COVID vaccines for the 2023-2024 season. These vaccines, provided by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, target more recent strains of COVID-19. The vaccines are offered at no cost to VA healthcare employees and Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare, and free COVID-19 testing is also available to eligible Veterans.
Getting the Updated Vaccine
It is important to get the updated vaccine as soon as possible due to changes in the virus. The Cincinnati VA Medical Center is administering the updated COVID vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna at the Primary Care Waiting Area, located at 3200 Vine Street, Monday to Friday from 8am to 3:30pm. Extended hours are also available on specific dates, including October 3rd from 3:30pm to 5:30pm, Saturday October 21st from 8:00am to 12pm, and October 24th from 6:30am to 8:00am.
For Veterans who receive care at the Community Based Outpatient Clinics, appointments can be scheduled by calling the respective clinic directly. Contact information for the clinics can be found on the Cincinnati VA Medical Center website.
Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recently issued updated recommendations for the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine. These recommendations include:
- All adults should receive one updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose if at least 2 months have passed since receiving any older COVID-19 vaccine.
- Individuals who have not yet received any COVID-19 vaccine should receive the updated vaccine.
- People with moderately to severely immunocompromising conditions may receive additional updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 doses, if recommended by their healthcare provider.
Vaccination Options Outside of VA
If you prefer to receive the updated COVID vaccine outside of the VA, you can do so at no cost. It is important to bring your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card when you go. If you received your vaccine outside of the VA, it is recommended to inform your VA healthcare team about it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why are updated COVID-19 vaccines being recommended now?
The updated COVID-19 vaccines are recommended due to the emergence of new variants of the virus and the reduced protection provided by older vaccines. The updated 2023-2024 vaccines specifically target more recent variants, increasing the immune response and improving protection against severe illness from COVID-19.
2. How do updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines work?
The updated vaccines work in a similar way to the previous versions but with an updated target. Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines use mRNA technology to teach the body how to make the spike protein and induce an immune response. Novavax, expected to be available in fall 2023, is a protein subunit vaccine that injects the coronavirus spike protein into the body to stimulate an immune response.
3. How are these updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines different from the other COVID-19 vaccines?
The updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines target a newer strain of COVID-19 called XBB 1.5, which appeared in the U.S. in 2023-2024. This is the third update to the COVID-19 vaccine, with previous versions targeting the original COVID-19 strain from 2020 and the BA4/BA5 strains from 2022.
4. Who can get an updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S.?
All adults are recommended to receive one dose of the updated 2023-2024 vaccine if at least two months have passed since receiving any older COVID-19 vaccine. Adults who have not yet received any COVID-19 vaccine should also receive the updated vaccine. Additionally, people with moderately to severely immunocompromising conditions may receive additional doses if recommended by their healthcare provider.
5. Can I get a flu shot and updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 shot at the same time?
Yes, it is safe to receive both a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine during the same visit. It is also safe to receive other types of vaccines along with the COVID-19 vaccine.
6. What are the risks of getting an updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine?
Common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea. Serious side effects are rare but can occur. It is important to note that COVID-19 vaccines have been safely administered to millions of Americans.
7. Should I get an updated vaccine if I already had COVID?
Yes, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended even if you have already had a COVID-19 infection. Re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, and receiving the vaccine can help prevent severe illness. If you currently have COVID-19, it is advised to speak with your healthcare provider before getting the vaccine. People with COVID-19 should wait until they have recovered and come out of isolation before receiving the vaccine. Individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 within the last 3 months should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the best time to receive the updated vaccine for maximum protection.
8. I already received COVID-19 boosters. Do I need to get the updated 2023-2024 vaccine?
Yes, if it has been more than 2 months since your most recent older COVID-19 vaccine and you have not yet received the updated 2023-2024 vaccine, it is recommended to get the updated vaccine. The updated vaccines target more recent strains of COVID-19, and it is important to stay protected against the evolving virus.
9. Can I receive a Moderna updated 2023-2024 vaccine if I previously received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes, you can receive an updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine made by a different manufacturer from your primary series.
10. Will I need more COVID-19 vaccinations after this? How often will I need to get a COVID-19 vaccine?
It is anticipated that the virus will continue to evolve, and updated COVID-19 vaccines may be necessary in the future. The timing and type of future vaccines will depend on how the virus evolves and the duration of protection provided by previous infections and vaccinations.
In conclusion, the Cincinnati VA Medical Center and its Community Based Outpatient Clinics are offering updated COVID vaccines for the 2023-2024 season. It is important to get the updated vaccine to stay protected against the evolving strains of COVID-19. The vaccines are available at no cost to eligible individuals, and appointments can be scheduled at the medical center or the outpatient clinics. Stay informed and take the necessary steps to ensure your health and well-being in the face of COVID-19.