A pharmacist at a CVS store in Chicago is administering COVID-19 booster shots. Experts suggest that many Americans may be hesitant to receive these additional shots due to pandemic fatigue, the belief that COVID-19 is over, and confusion over personal risk levels. However, they propose that public health officials and healthcare providers could increase vaccine uptake by emphasizing that COVID vaccines will likely become a routine part of health protection. In September, Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are expected to release new single-strain COVID shots targeting the omicron subvariant XBB.1.5. However, it may be challenging to convince people to take these shots as the uptake of previous vaccines has been sluggish. Currently, only about 17% of the US population has received Pfizer and Moderna’s bivalent COVID vaccines. It is uncertain how many individuals will receive the new shots, but Pfizer estimates that 24% of the population, or 79 million people, will receive vaccine doses in 2023. The confusion and lack of clarity surrounding personal risks and benefits from getting another shot may contribute to low uptake. Additionally, fatigue over the pandemic and the belief that COVID is over could hinder vaccination efforts. However, experts suggest that if a new message is communicated, emphasizing that COVID shots will become a routine part of healthcare, it may increase vaccine rates. The FDA and CDC are aiming to transition towards an annual model for COVID vaccines, similar to flu shots, where individuals receive a single jab every year that targets the latest variant. This approach may simplify the vaccination process and encourage more people to get vaccinated. The shift to the commercial market for vaccine distribution may not significantly impact vaccine uptake, particularly for insured individuals who can receive COVID shots for free.
A Potential Outlook on the Uptake of New Shots
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