The new updated COVID booster has been approved by the FDA

On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the new, updated COVID booster from Pfizer and Moderna. The shots are expected to go on sale later this week.

The revised COVID boosters from Pfizer and Moderna received approval from the Food and Drug Administration on Monday. The shots, which are designed to target the XBB.1.5 subtype, are anticipated to go on sale later this week after receiving approval from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Regardless of whether they have previously had vaccinations, anyone aged 5 and older can receive a revised booster shot from Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, according to a statement from the FDA. Prior to receiving the new booster, previously immunized individuals must wait a minimum of two months after receiving their most recent COVID dose.

The manufacturer of the COVID vaccine, Novavax, reported on Monday that the FDA was still examining its modified booster. In contrast to Novavax, Moderna and Pfizer refrain from utilizing mRNA technology in their injections.

The announcement comes as COVID cases, which are being brought on by a variety of sub-variants, are rising in the US. According to officials, the boosters are meant to stop a probable winter illness spike.

According to Dr. Ofer Levy, director of the Precision Vaccines Program at Boston Children's Hospital and member of the FDA advisory committee, the majority of healthy individuals will probably only require one booster shot until fall 2024.

According to the CDC, typical side effects include pain or swelling at the injection site, headache, chills, fever, and nausea.