New COVID vaccine approved for people 5 and older

Children under 5 years old can receive the vaccine, but may need more than one dose

WASHINGTON (Nexstar) — The CDC has voted to recommend a brand new version of the COVID-19 vaccine after the FDA also approved it. Everyone aged 5 and older is eligible for the new COVID vaccine. Children under 5 years old can also get it, but they may need more than one dose.

Dr Mandy Cohen said: “We are in our strongest position yet to fight COVID-19. »

“The federal government is investing a lot of money in research and these mRNA vaccines really, really work,” said John Giramendi, a Democrat from California.

Last week, however, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky criticized the recommendation of multiple doses for children.

“Norway, South America and the United Kingdom have all chosen to recommend a single dose of Pfizer due to the risk of cardiovascular side effects in children being boostered,” Paul said.

But Dr. Anthony Fauci said it’s important to consider all the facts. “The risk of myocarditis from COVID itself is greater than the risk from the vaccine. »

Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine said COVID vaccine research and development must go further.

“I wonder,” the Democrat said, “if there are alternative vaccines that could be developed that might be more durable.”

Kaine also wants the federal government to do more research on long COVID “and also disseminate best practices to providers, employers and patients.”

Last year, Kaine helped secure $10 million in funding for long-COVID research and he’s hoping for another $10 million in the new budget.