US: "COVID-19 Vaccine May Require Annual Shots Like Flu"

Annual COVID-19 Vaccination Recommended
Updated Vaccines Distributed Only to Those Fully Vaccinated

Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and a leading figure in the United States' response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), attending a White House briefing on December 1 last year (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] U.S. health authorities have indicated that they may recommend annual COVID-19 vaccinations going forward. Just as people receive flu vaccines every year, immunity against COVID-19 should also be built through regular vaccinations.

According to major foreign media on the 6th (local time), Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), stated, "It is highly likely that the COVID-19 vaccine will shift to an annual vaccination format similar to the flu vaccine," adding, "Some vulnerable groups may need to receive vaccinations more frequently."

Currently, U.S. health authorities recommend that adults aged 50 and older who have completed the initial 1st and 2nd doses of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines receive up to two booster shots.

Since the 1st of this month, to prevent the spread of the Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5, updated vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna have also been approved. These updated vaccines are administered only to those who have completed the initial vaccination and the 3rd or 4th doses.

White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Ashish Jha explained, "Administering the updated vaccines could reduce hospitalizations by as many as 100,000 and deaths by 9,000," adding, "This is the first time since December 2012 that a vaccine has caught up with the virus's rate of evolution."

However, he noted, "While those aged 12 and older can receive the updated vaccine, the timing for approval of vaccination for children has not yet been determined," and "The vaccination schedule may change again around the fall."

U.S. health authorities also emphasized that the new vaccines will be provided free of charge as before, but Congress must increase funding to continue supporting free vaccine distribution.

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra expressed concern, saying, "There is enough supply for free vaccinations this fall, but without resources to continue research, the future of the next vaccine is uncertain."

Previously, U.S. health authorities had announced that government-provided COVID-19 vaccines and treatments are expected to run out next year.