On Thursday, the FDA approved updated Covid vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer. Shots should be available within days. Both drug companies are preparing to ship the doses, which focus on the KP.2 strain. The updated vaccines are designed to better protect against the latest variants and severe outcomes like hospitalizations and death. The FDA is encouraging everyone eligible to get the updated shot, citing waning immunity from Covid-19 exposure or previous vaccination. In addition, the CDC recommends everyone six months and older get vaccinated.
“Vaccination continues to be the cornerstone of COVID-19 prevention,” said Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, in a press release. “These updated vaccines meet the agency’s rigorous, scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality.”
This new vaccine comes amid a summer surge and low booster uptake — issues Epicenter NYC has been addressing through our engagement efforts, including signing New Yorkers up for vaccinations. The vaccines are free and don’t require proof of immigration status. For more information on how you and your loved ones can get vaccinated, visit here.
We will also be signing community members up in person at the following events:
• Date: Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.
Event: Backpack Giveaway presented by: CM Tiffany Cabán, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez & Asm. Jessica González-Rojas
Where: Gorman Playground, 13268 85th Street, Queens.
More information can be found here.
• Date: Sunday, August 25, at 1:00 p.m.
Event: Back-to-School hosted by the First Baptist Church East Elmhurst
Where: First Baptist Church East Elmhurst, 100-10 Astoria Blvd, East Elmhurst
More information can be found here.
• Date: Saturday, August 31 @ 12:00 pm
Event: Back-to-School hosted by the East Elmhurst Corona Civic Association
Where: Helen Marshall Playground, 100 St & 24th Ave, East Elmhurst
More information can be found here.
• Date: Thursday, September 5 @ 4:00 pm
Event: Back-to-School at the Queens Public Library at East Elmhurst
Where: 95-06 Astoria Blvd, East Elmhurst
More information can be found here.
To see more of our past Covid coverage, check out the stories below.
What you need to know about FLiRT
Additional Covid coverage from our URL Media partners
