What you need to know about the CDC’s new COVID-19 booster guidelines 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended a new round of COVID-19 boosters on Sept. 12, encouraging everyone ages six months and older to get the shot.

The new federal guidelines come amid an uptick in serious cases of the illness in the U.S., with the CDC reporting an 8.7% increase in hospital admissions of COVID-19 patients and a 10.5% increase in COVID-19 deaths, as of Sept. 2.

In New Haven County, the number of hospitalizations was low compared to some other areas in the U.S. — the CDC confirmed 90 COVID-19 hospitalizations (a 13.9% increase) at the same early September date. There were no COVID-19-related deaths in the state of Connecticut during the same timeline.

However, local medical officials are still pushing residents to follow the new federal guidelines to protect themselves and those around them.

What are the new guidelines?

U.S. medical officials recommended that everyone 6 months and older get updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines ahead of the fall and winter virus season.

Both new shots were approved by the Food and Drug Administration earlier this week.

Who should get the booster?

The consensus is that everyone old enough should get an updated booster if they can, including infants and children.

According to the CDC, you can get a new booster as long as it’s been two months since your previous shot or roughly 90 days since you’ve had COVID-19.

Dr. Ulysses Wu, Hartford Healthcare’s chief epidemiologist, said that there is “not much reason” to not get the new booster. When it comes to young kids, Wu said the decision to get any vaccine is a personal one, but that science backs the recommendation for infants and children.

“We do know that kids, for the most part, do well (when they get COVID-19),” Wu said. “But there are a few that don’t do quite as well, so parents have to weigh the individual decision.”

The CDC continues to encourage anyone particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 — such as those 65 and older — to stay up-to-date on their boosters.

However, even if you’re young and healthy, Wu said it is still a good idea to get a booster.

“Some people can’t afford to take 10 days off from school, work, or whatever it may be, and it may afford you some of that protection,” Wu said. “The second reason, which is really why we get vaccines, is it keeps people out of the hospital. If you’re young, healthy, you probably won’t end up in the hospital, but there are people that do.”

Why is the CDC recommending a new booster?

Herd immunity, a halo of protection which protects those who are more susceptible to getting seriously sick from COVID-19, is one of the main reasons why doctors advise that as many people as possible continue to get updated vaccines.

“If you are around other people who cannot or should not get sick, or if you are a caregiver, that’s one more reason to get that vaccine, not necessarily for yourself … but at least (for) your immediate circle and their protection as well,” Wu said.

With COVID-19 infection comes the risk of long COVID, a condition that causes sustained symptoms and can last for months after infection. Wu said that staying up-to-date on your vaccines can help you avoid developing long COVID as a result of infection.

Does the new booster protect against new variants?

Yes, but it’s not foolproof.

Wu said that COVID-19 variants are constantly mutating, so doctors can’t ensure that the vaccine protects against all forms of the disease. However, he described recent Omicron variants as, “kinda like cousins,” noting that more updated vaccines are more likely to shield against related strains.

“This updated booster is a better match for current circulating Omicron variants,” Wu said. “Even if you got the (earlier vaccine), it would still provide you some protection, but this will provide you more direct protection against some of the circulating variants.”

Will I have to pay for the vaccine?

Many insurance plans continue to cover the new COVID-19 shots; however, there are options if you are uninsured.

Uninsured adults can find free vaccines at certain locations through the CDC’s Bridge Access Program though the end of 2024. Uninsured children can get free immunizations at participating providers under the agency’s Vaccines for Children Program.

Where can I get an updated COVID-19 booster?

New boosters were expected to hit the market on Sept. 13, according to the CDC. Visit Vaccines.gov to find a vaccine provider near you or make an appointment at a CVS or Walgreens Pharmacy.