New Covid shots available

On Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced approval and authorization of updated Covid-19 vaccines formulated to more closely target the Covid-19 variants that are currently circulating.

“Getting vaccinated against Covid-19 remains one of the best tools in our toolbox to fight Covid-19 and keep Minnesotans safe,” said Minnesota commissioner of health Dr. Brooke Cunningham in a news release Wednesday. “The newly authorized, updated vaccines are an even more effective tool, targeting the variants we know are in our communities right now.

“I would also encourage Minnesotans to make sure their entire family is up to date on their vaccinations so they are well-protected heading into this fall and winter,” she added.

Earlier in the week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued formal vaccine recommendations.

The new vaccines are approved by the FDA for all people 6 months of age or older.

People 5 years of age and older regardless of previous vaccination can receive a single dose of an updated mRNA Covid-19 vaccine at least 2 months since the last dose of any Covid-19 vaccine.

People 6 months through 4 years old who have previously been vaccinated against Covid-19 can get one or two doses of an updated mRNA Covid-19 vaccine (timing and number of doses to administer depends on the previous Covid-19 vaccine received).

Unvaccinated people 6 months through 4 years of age are eligible to receive three doses of the updated authorized Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine or two doses of the updated authorized Moderna Covid-19 vaccine.

These are the first Covid-19 vaccines to be commercialized, which means that there may be costs associated with receiving them. Check with a health insurer about coverage before scheduling an appointment in order to avoid a surprise bill. Free or low-cost vaccine options for those without health insurance include:

• Contacting the nearest Community Health Center (CHC) near you.

• Calling the MDH Covid-19 public hotline at 1-833-431-2053 to locate a community vaccination event near you.

• Visiting Vaccines.gov to find other locations offering Covid-19 vaccines at no cost to the uninsured, including pharmacies.

• Asking your clinic about free or low-cost vaccines for your child.

In addition to staying up to date on Covid-19 vaccinations, MDH recommends that people test for Covid-19 when they have symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 or five full days after a known exposure to someone with Covid-19. If you have symptoms of Covid-19 or test positive, stay home and isolate from others as much as possible to avoid spreading the virus to others.