FDA Approves Updated COVID Vaccines Amid Surge

Starting late September, U.S. households will be able to order four free COVID-19 test kits through the federal program at COVIDtests.gov, as part of preparations for the winter respiratory virus season. This initiative revives the program that has already distributed over 900 million tests and aims to help detect current COVID-19 variants. Concurrently, the FDA has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, targeting recent virus strains, with recommendations for everyone aged six months and older to get vaccinated. Additionally, the antiviral drug Paxlovid will remain available for free to uninsured individuals and those on Medicare or Medicaid through the end of 2024. This comes amidst a summer surge in COVID-19 cases, highlighting the importance of testing and vaccination to curb the spread. The government also plans to provide free tests at community sites like libraries and food banks.