As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in the Ozarks, two new monovalent vaccines were authorized by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention on Wednesday.
These two new vaccines are effective against the COVID-19 variants circulating in Springfield. Reported cases of COVID-19 have more than tripled in the last month, according to data from the Springfield-Greene County Health Department.
In the week of Aug. 6-12, there were 57 positive cases reported by health care providers to the Springfield-Greene County Health Department. Last week, 174 positive cases were reported.
According to a news release from the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, the updated Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are approved for those 6 months and older. It is recommended everyone ages 5 and older should receive at least one dose of an updated COVID-19 mRNA vaccine this year.
With this authorization of the new formula, existing vaccine types are no longer authorized for individuals 12 years of age and older, the release said.
Starting Wednesday, Springfield-Greene County Health is temporarily halting COVID-19 vaccines to individuals 12 years and older.
While the new Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have been approved by the FDA and ACIP, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services must still make its recommendations to local public health agencies, the release said.
As soon as the health department receives the new supply, it will begin offering updated vaccines.
Springfield-Greene County Health expects to have these new vaccines by the end of September, but a date has not been confirmed.
Additionally, new requirements are now in place to receive a COVID-19 vaccine through Springfield-Greene County Health. Due to changes in vaccine funding, the Health Department will only administer COVID-19 vaccines to those who are underinsured or uninsured, the release said.
Those with private or commercial insurance should visit Vaccine417.com to view other vaccine offerings in the community.
Certain individuals, including those who are immunocompromised or children under the age of 5, may require additional doses of the new vaccine. Individuals should contact their health care provider for specific recommendations as they apply to their situation.
Updated vaccine opportunities across the community will continue to be available for all to access at Vaccine417.com.
