New COVID-19 vaccines that target omicron variants in the works – KOAT New Mexico

The omicron BA.5 sub-variant Is making up most new cases here in New Mexico. This as cases continue to surge across the state. Last November, the first COVID-19 booster shot was approved for the public. Now, eight months later, there's a second booster but it's only available for people over 50 or those who are immunocompromised. So why isn't it available to everyone? Doctors tell KOAT there's a new vaccine just around the corner. One that's created to specifically target omicron variants like BA.5.KOAT medical expert Dr. Barry Ramo said, There are vaccines being developed now that are much more specific for the omicron and the omicron variants. The problem is not going away and the best way to protect yourself has been vaccination.Dr. Meghan Brett from UNMH said, There are vaccines that probably will be available in the very near future that will target multiple strains of COVID-19. Not just the original strain, but also more omicron specific strains that would be added to the COVID vaccines.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was asking anyone under 50 with no underlying conditions to hold off on getting the second COVID-19 booster and wait for those new omicron-specific vaccines. Now that nearly 40 states are projected to see increases in hospitalizations the CDC and Food and Drug Administration are considering making that second booster available to all adults.Brett says we should expect to see those new vaccines this coming fall, in order to try and avoid the winter case surge weve seen for the last two years.

The omicron BA.5 sub-variant Is making up most new cases here in New Mexico. This as cases continue to surge across the state.

Last November, the first COVID-19 booster shot was approved for the public. Now, eight months later, there's a second booster but it's only available for people over 50 or those who are immunocompromised.

So why isn't it available to everyone? Doctors tell KOAT there's a new vaccine just around the corner. One that's created to specifically target omicron variants like BA.5.

KOAT medical expert Dr. Barry Ramo said, There are vaccines being developed now that are much more specific for the omicron and the omicron variants. The problem is not going away and the best way to protect yourself has been vaccination.

Dr. Meghan Brett from UNMH said, There are vaccines that probably will be available in the very near future that will target multiple strains of COVID-19. Not just the original strain, but also more omicron specific strains that would be added to the COVID vaccines.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was asking anyone under 50 with no underlying conditions to hold off on getting the second COVID-19 booster and wait for those new omicron-specific vaccines. Now that nearly 40 states are projected to see increases in hospitalizations the CDC and Food and Drug Administration are considering making that second booster available to all adults.

Brett says we should expect to see those new vaccines this coming fall, in order to try and avoid the winter case surge weve seen for the last two years.

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New COVID-19 vaccines that target omicron variants in the works - KOAT New Mexico