The latest version of the COVID-19 vaccine will be available on September 29, 2023, at the Central Valley Health District in Jamestown, according to Kim Lee, director of nursing for the public health unit. Some local clinics and pharmacies may offer the vaccine even sooner. Molly Rachel, a pharmacist at The Medicine Shoppe, confirmed that their supply was on order as of September 22, 2023.
Rachel indicated that their clinic would begin immunizing individuals aged 12 and older against COVID-19, alongside flu vaccinations for those aged three and over. This announcement follows recent actions by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which set new protocols for the COVID-19 vaccine.
New Vaccination Guidelines and Coverage
The ACIP, under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recently authorized updated schedules for administering FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines. These guidelines recommend that vaccine administration for adults over 65 should be based on “individual-based decision making.” The same principle applies to individuals aged 6 months to 64 years, with an emphasis on those at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease.
The ACIP also approved an 11-1 vote for a requirement that promotes a consistent and comprehensive consent process. This includes presenting six risks and uncertainties during medical consultations. Rachel noted that individual-based decision-making has always been standard in vaccine administration.
“To me,” she stated, “we have always done shared clinical decision making. People should continue to discuss vaccines with their health care provider.”
Lee added that this year’s ACIP decisions mean that COVID-19 vaccinations will likely be covered by most insurance plans. Individuals are encouraged to reach out to their preferred vaccine provider for specific information regarding costs and age requirements.
Flu Shots and RSV Vaccination Options
As the fall season approaches, many individuals consider updating their flu shots. Rachel confirmed that flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered during the same visit to a clinic or pharmacy. This year’s flu shot is formulated to protect against two variants of Influenza A and one of Influenza B, with the CDC estimating 154 million doses will be available this flu season.
The flu vaccine is offered in both regular and high doses for individuals over 65 years old. According to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines hold an effectiveness rate of 30% to 60% in preventing hospitalization and severe illness.
Additionally, Lee mentioned the availability of a Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine for individuals over 75 and younger individuals with pre-existing health conditions. The RSV vaccine is reported to be between 82% and 86% effective in reducing the risk of severe illness and provides lifetime protection.
Individuals with questions about any of the vaccines are encouraged to consult their pharmacist or healthcare provider. Rachel emphasized the importance of open communication, stating, “We just want to get people in and answer their questions. We can usually clear things up for them.”
