Japan: Get your updated Covid booster shots now before the flu season.

By on September 20, 2023

An updated COVID-19 vaccine effective against the XBB.1.5 subvariant of Coronavirus’s omicron strain became available today in anticipation of a potential surge in infections around the flu season.

The XBB.1.5 subvariant known for mutations that evade the body’s immune defenses and improve its ability to invade cells is no longer the most common strain in circulation. However, the updated vaccine is formulated to protect against a widespread strain of the highly contagious XBB omicron variant including the EG.5.1 subvariant that has spread in Japan.

Anyone 6 months or older who have received at least one shot is eligible for a free vaccination. The high-risk elderly group are encouraged to do the same for their own protection.

This new round of vaccination from Pfizer and Moderna could be the last publicly funded inoculation where recipients are not required to pay out of pocket. The free vaccination runs through to March 31, 2024.

 

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