The FDA has authorized updated COVID-19 booster vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna to combat newer virus strains this flu season, with initial trial data showing effectiveness against specific variants. CDC recommends individuals over 65 with chronic conditions to get the booster, highlighting the safety and accessibility of COVID-19 vaccines alongside flu vaccination.

Most COVID-19 vaccines have proven less effective against neutralizing the Omicron variant,, but they still prevent severe illness and death. Third doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines also provide significantly increased protection against the variant.