FDA Set To Greenlight Second COVID Bivalent Boosters For Seniors – Health Digest

Proponents of the bivalent booster are happy with the decision, insisting that the second dose will provide high-risk individuals with further protection against COVID-19 as the effects of their previous booster begins to diminish. However, many others suggest that there is little evidence to suggest that the bivalent boosters are necessary or even effective (per The Washington Post). In fact, TIME reports that the bivalent booster is no more effective in producing antibodies against the omicron variants than the original vaccine.

What’s more, according to a joint statement recently released by the CDC and the FDA, the bivalent booster has been linked to an increased occurrence of ischemic stroke in adults over 65. According to the report, in the 3 weeks after receiving the booster, people over 65 were more likely to suffer a stroke than they were in the following 22-44 days post-vaccination.

Officials told The Washington Post that individuals are expected to consult with their doctors before deciding whether or not the bivalent booster is right for them. The shots will be provided free of charge until the federal supply is gone, and even then, most people with private and public health insurance will still be able to get the boosters at no cost.