A surge in COVID-19 cases has been attributed to the emergence of new variants and waning protection from prior vaccines after six months. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show a consistent increase in new COVID-19 cases among nursing home residents between May and August 2024.

In response, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines late last month. These involve a formula that more closely targets current variants, including the Omicron variant KP.2 strain of SARS-CoV-2. This updated formula is designed to provide better protection against life-threatening consequences of COVID-19.

The updated mRNA vaccines include Comirnaty and Spikevax, both of which the FDA approved for use in individuals aged 12 years and older. For previously vaccinated individuals, the dose should be administered at least 2 months after the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine was received. The FDA anticipates that, barring the emergence of a significantly more infectious variant of SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 vaccines will need to be assessed annually, much like seasonal influenza vaccines.

“These updated vaccines meet the agency’s rigorous, scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality. Given waning immunity of the population from previous exposure to the virus and from prior vaccination, we strongly encourage those who are eligible to consider receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine to provide better protection against currently circulating variants,” said Peter Marks, MD, PhD, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

Individuals receiving the updated mRNA COVID-19 shot may experience similar side effects to those reported with previous iterations of the vaccine. These include chills, fatigue, fever, headache, muscle/joint pain, and/or injection site pain, swelling, or redness.

The CDC recommends that people who live and/or work in long-term care get one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The agency also recommends that long-term care workers get vaccinated against the flu. Some states require this, as well as other vaccinations, for health care workers. 

It is important to note that some vaccines can be administered together. For instance, flu and COVID vaccines can be given at the same time if the individual is eligible and timing for each vaccine is right.  At the same time, a new trial indicates that it is safe to co-administer flu and RSV vaccines in older adults.

According to the CDC, less than half of nursing home residents have the latest COVID-19 boosters. Now that respiratory infections are on the rise again, and vaccines are — for the most part — available, getting LTC residents and staff protected is a priority.. 

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccines, reference the FDA website.