WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE FALL 2023-2024 UPDATED COVID-19 VACCINE           

FISHERSVILLE, Virginia —Fall is here, along with the respiratory virus season. The pandemic began over three years ago, and much has changed, but COVID-19 is not going away anytime soon. Vaccines are the safest and best way to protect ourselves and our loved ones against severe COVID-19 illness. As of September 14, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two updated COVID-19 Vaccines. These new Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines are formulated to target current variants and will replace all outdated vaccines. With this new availability and proactive steps, we can successfully navigate the upcoming respiratory season and protect vulnerable populations from severe illness.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine to everyone six months and older. Data shows vaccine protection wanes over time, prompting the need to stay current on vaccination. This vaccine should be considered by those with the highest risk of complications, including our older population (especially those ages 50 years and older), those with weakened immune systems, and young children. The updated COVID-19 vaccine isn’t a booster but is likened to the updated influenza (flu) vaccine in that it is updated yearly as the strains they protect against change year after year. Experts also recommend the flu vaccine and say it is safe to get both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time. Both vaccines prevent the most severe complications of COVID-19 and the flu.

Augusta Health offers influenza and the 2023-2024 Moderna COVID-19 vaccines at our Primary and Urgent Care locations. The updated COVID-19 vaccine will be billed to your insurance. Augusta Health anticipates most insurance companies will cover 100% and will not leave a balance for the patient. Financial assistance is available for patients without insurance; Augusta Health will cover 100% of the cost if you qualify. If you do not qualify, Augusta Health offers a discounted out-of-pocket cash price.

Please call the Augusta Health COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 540-333-5122 or visit www.augustahealth.com/service/vaccinations/ for more information.