US to roll out updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall

AUSTIN (KXAN) — New COVID-19 vaccines will be available for use this fall, with updated formulas to better protect against popular strains, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

The FDA's Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee reviewed data on current virus variants circulating along with existing vaccines' effectiveness. The new formula debuting this fall will be monovalent JN.1 vaccines, per the FDA.

Those ages five and older should get one dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine whose children ages six months to four years might need multiple doses to be fully up to date, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised might need multiple doses as well, the CDC added.

Here in Austin, an Austin Public Health spokesperson said they anticipate the updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available to health departments at the end of August or sometime in early September. Those vaccines will be available through APH's Mobile Vaccination Program to supplement access through local medical providers and pharmacies.

APH runs Shots for Tots and Big Shots Clinics with services available by appointment. Those interested can call 512-972-5520 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Clinic locations are at the following sites and operate during the following hours:

• Far South Health Center: 405 W. Stassney Lane, Austin
  • Hours of service:
    • Monday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
    • Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    • Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    • Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    • Friday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
    • Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., once a month
• St. Johns Clinic: 7500 Blessing Ave., Austin
  • Hours of service:
    • Monday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
    • Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    • Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    • Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    • Friday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
    • Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., once a month

APH's clinic fees cost $13 for children's vaccine doses and $25 for adult doses. However, the department flagged no one will be refused service if they can't pay the fee, and those who are uninsured and underinsured will receive the vaccine doses for free.

APH also offers vaccine clinics at rotating sites throughout the year. More details on APH's immunization program is available online, with a COVID-19 vaccine locator map available here.