A plan to streamline COVID vaccination protocols is under consideration. The FDA advisory panel is recommending a transition to an annual vaccination routine similar to flu shots. Tulane epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig said such a plan could encourage those skeptical of the vaccine to get protected.
“I think simplifying it is a really positive step for hopefully picking up an additional segment of the population that has not taken advantage of this very valuable and preventative effort,” said Hassig.
And because it doesn’t look like COVID is going away anytime soon Hassig feels an annual COVID booster that targets the newest variants and like flu shots will also remove confusion. Advisors also recommend removing the name-brand confusion. Hassig said when you go in for your flu shot you aren’t worried who about who produced it.
“So, I think they want to make it like that, but they have not yet reached the point from my reading of their decision, to say yes we think this is something that should be recommended every year,” said Hassig.
And Hassig said a movement towards an annual booster that’s tailored to protect against specific variants, similar to how flu shots are tailored to defend against a specific strain, is ideal.
“The more routinization that can be connected to response and reaction and prevention efforts the better off we’ll be. So, I see this as a big step forward,” said Hassig.
The FDA plans to hold an advisory meeting in late spring or early summer.
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