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COVID-19 Vaccines for 2024-2025

Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the COVID-19 vaccines for the 2024-2025 season. These vaccines have been specifically designed to target the KP.2 strain, offering protection against the prevalent variants. Although the vaccine may have limited impact on the ongoing summer wave, it will be crucial as we approach the fall and winter seasons. It's important to note that while the vaccine may not completely prevent infection, it significantly lowers the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19, particularly among older adults and those with chronic health conditions.

In recent weeks, Maine along with the rest of the country has seen a significant increase in COVID-19 cases, marking the largest surge since January. This upward trend is also evident in long-term care (LTC) facilities, with data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealing a steady rise in new cases from May to August 2024. Experts attribute this increase to the emergence of new variants and waning immunity from vaccines administered over six months ago.

The most recent variant, named FLirT, comprises the KP.3, KP.3.1.1, and KP.2 strains. According to CDC data, the KP.3.1.1 variant is responsible for nearly 37% of current cases, followed by KP.3 at 17% and KP.2.3 at 14.4%.

Residents of LTC facilities are particularly vulnerable to respiratory viruses due to their age and underlying health issues. Prioritizing LTC residents for the fall vaccination campaign—including vaccines for flu, RSV, and COVID-19—will be key to protecting them from severe illness and hospitalization.

The new COVID-19 vaccine is now available through retail pharmacies, LTC pharmacies, and other suppliers. LTC providers should reach out to their LTC pharmacies to order the vaccine and arrange vaccination clinics.

Visit GetVaccinated.us for resources to help prepare for the upcoming respiratory virus season.
 
Staff contact: mcarland@mehca.org

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