Officials with the Minnesota Department of Health say it's not yet clear when the new COVID vaccine will arrive in the state after being approved by the FDA last week.
State Epidemiologist Dr. Ruth Lynfield says Minnesota is experiencing a surge in COVID cases right now. She says anyone headed to the State Fair or other crowded places may want to take precautions.
"If you want to add extra protection from getting infected, I would consider wearing a mask, especially if you're gonna be in a crowded indoor setting," Lynfield says.
Health officials say the new vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. They say it's also a good idea to get your flu shot at the same time for added protection against both illnesses heading into the fall and winter.
When will a new vaccine hit your local doctor's offices and pharmacies?
"We want to encourage Minnesotans to make appointments with their healthcare provider or their local pharmacist to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine," Lynfield said Monday. "Especially people who are at risk for severe disease."
Experts recommended getting the updated COVID vaccine as soon as it's available to protect against the current surge in cases. Another option recommended by the CDC is to wait until October and get your flu and COVID vaccines at the same time for maximum protection.
"Right now, we actually are in a summer surge," explained Lynfield. "So COVID does not follow the same seasonal patterns as influenza, but it can occur at various times as we're experiencing."
U.S. regulators approved updated COVID-19 vaccines last Thursday, shots designed to more closely target recent virus strains -- and hopefully whatever variants cause trouble this winter, too.
With the Food and Drug Administration’s clearance, Pfizer and Moderna are set to begin shipping millions of doses. A third U.S. manufacturer, Novavax, expects its modified vaccine version to be available a little later.
“We strongly encourage those who are eligible to consider receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine to provide better protection against currently circulating variants,” said FDA vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks.
The agency’s decision came a bit earlier than last year’s rollout of updated COVID-19 vaccines, as a summer wave of the virus continues in most of the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention already has recommended this fall’s shot for everyone age 6 months and older. Vaccinations could be available within days.