As the U.S. grapples with lower Covid-19 vaccination rates, only 15.7% of adults had received the latest shots from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax as of November 18, according to the CDC. The slow uptake has raised concerns, with experts and vaccine makers expecting future vaccination rates to resemble the recent meager numbers.
Some experts believe that new, more convenient combination shots targeting multiple respiratory viruses could boost Covid vaccinations, offering greater convenience to patients and healthcare workers. Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are developing combination vaccines targeting different combinations of Covid, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus.
While some experts are hopeful about the impact of combination shots, others are skeptical, suggesting that convenience alone might not be a significant factor in changing vaccine uptake. Childhood vaccines have long used combination shots to improve vaccination rates, but whether this approach will work for Covid remains uncertain.
The CDC is aiming for a flu shot-like model for Covid vaccines, encouraging a yearly jab that is updated annually to address the latest variant. However, advisors to the FDA have expressed concerns about the shift to yearly Covid vaccines, and public health officials may need time to establish a more annualized approach to Covid vaccination in the minds of Americans. Increasing vaccination rates remains crucial for protecting vulnerable populations, preparing for potential new variants, and preventing severe infections and hospitalizations.
