COVID-19 vaccines that protect against the latest strains are expected to be available soon in Minnesota, perhaps this week or next week.
Moderna and Pfizer versions gained approval Monday from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. An advisory committee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended the vaccines on Tuesday for all people six months and older. Doses are expected to be available in pharmacies and clinics within 48 hours of the CDC director's final sign-off on the recommendation.
Who should get the vaccine?
The vaccine is broadly available, but the need is most urgent for senior citizens and people with compromised immune systems who are at greatest risk of severe COVID, said Michael Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy.
"People 75 years of age and older are really at highest risk for serious illness, with the next level being 65 and older and people who are immune compromised," Osterholm said. "So we really want to focus on that group."
As with earlier COVID vaccines, the latest versions appear to offer strong protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death but not against infection itself or mild illness.
While the urgency might be lower for children and younger adults, Osterholm said the vaccine will offer them the same protective benefits. COVID caused only 2% of U.S. pediatric hospitalizations earlier this summer, but that rate recently jumped to 6%.
Where can I get the vaccine?