What is known about the severity of the NB.1.8.1 variant?
This variant has been identified and is being watched by the World Health Organization. As far as we know right now, the symptoms of this are similar to symptoms of other COVID variants.
Do current vaccines offer protection from this variant?
The NB.1.8.1 variant is in the same lineage as the omicron variant. So we expect it to be similar to the other variants that have been going around for the past couple of seasons. Because most of our vaccines are effective against similar omicron family variants, the data suggests our current vaccines will also be protective.
Will a variant-specific booster be warranted in this case?
Scientists are always considering whether new boosters are warranted. We have processes in place within the FDA and CDC to consider COVID vaccine changes based on new variants that could cause cases to surge. Scientists will continue to monitor the NB.1.8.1 variant to consider whether changing the vaccine is warranted.
Does the new variant open the possibility of a COVID “summer surge?”
It’s possible. Last year, we saw a COVID variant that had been going around for a while “surge” during the summer months. We’re continuing to learn about COVID. Unlike influenza that’s typically seen in late fall to early spring, COVID has been surging during summer. Based on the patterns we’ve seen, it’s likely we’ll see COVID cases in the summer as well as in the winter.
The Department of Health and Human Services recently changed how COVID-19 vaccines are approved and recommended. What does the new CDC immunization schedule recommend?
There’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding policies announced by HHS leaders, the new regulatory framework introduced by the FDA, and the new immunization schedule guidance from the CDC. These actions bypassed the normal vaccine approval and recommendation processes that have been in place for decades.
The recently posted immunization schedules recommend “shared clinical decision making” for children – which means talking to your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of the COVID vaccine and making a decision about whether the COVID vaccine is beneficial for your child. Shared clinical decision making about vaccines do happen, but it’s important to note that they can be tricky to implement because you need to have access to a healthcare provider who can have a conversation with you, and we know that doesn’t always happen.
For those who are pregnant, the prior recommendation for receiving the COVID vaccine was removed. It doesn’t say it should not be given during pregnancy. There’s simply no recommendation for pregnant women related to the COVID vaccine.
What does this mean for pregnant women?
We don’t know what it means. When the approval process and recommendations happen in a way that's outside of the norm, we as healthcare providers don't have clear guidance to help our patients. Having unclear or conflicting guidance about vaccine recommendations can lead to confusion, including providers losing confidence in their recommendation and being unsure of how to help the patient make a decision.
What do you see happening in the coming days, given the absence of clear policy?
I believe providers will look to their professional societies for guidance on how to counsel their patients. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) have made statements about continuing to recommend COVID-19 vaccines. ACOG’s statement includes evidence that shows how vaccination in pregnancy protects the infant after birth.
What would you say to parents who have questions about the COVID-19 vaccines?
Having questions is a perfectly normal part of being a parent. It’s normal to have questions and concerns when it comes to your child’s health. We understand that it's becoming even more confusing and uncertain for families. We all have access to a sea of information, which can be good and bad. There’s misleading information and high-quality information, and naturally that will lead to questions and concerns. I encourage families to speak openly to their providers.
When vaccines are no longer recommended to certain groups, insurance companies could decide to not cover the cost. What risks are associated with insurers not covering vaccines and boosters?
These changes concern me, as it may become difficult for individuals to access these vaccines. Insurance may not pay for them, or they may not be made available in certain communities. The unclear guidance could also lead to a lack of confidence in the vaccine for patients and providers. So there’s a lot of uncertainty about how these actions will impact people who want to continue to receive the vaccine.
That said, I want to be clear that reevaluating who benefits from COVID vaccinations is an important health policy decision. And the FDA and CDC have committees that have been working to ensure proper vaccine approval and recommendations.
Do COVID vaccines have any benefit for healthy people?
The idea that the COVID vaccine has no benefit to healthy individuals is false. COVID still poses a risk to healthy individuals and healthy children, including the potential for long COVID. And there is evidence that the risks of complications from COVID are reduced when healthy people receive the vaccine. Now, the benefit in healthy people is modest compared to high risk individuals, but it's misleading to say that there is no evidence of benefit for healthy individuals.
How do you recommend people protect themselves from COVID this summer?
It's really important that you check your own vaccination status. And if you're not sure, because it is really confusing, talk to your doctor about whether you would benefit from getting a COVID-19 vaccine booster.
Also, the normal recommendations we give for when you are sick or when you're around people that are sick apply. So continue to wash your hands and stay home when you’re sick. If you are sick and need to be around others, wear a mask. These simple precautions are still really helpful for reducing your chance of getting sick and protecting others.
