In case the radio ads for COVID shots are not up to date, there have been new developments.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has withdrawn authorization to use monovalent Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. It now authorizes use of the current bivalent vaccines (original and omicron BA.4/BA.5 strains) for all doses administered to individuals 6 months of age and older, including for an additional dose or doses for certain populations.
The bivalent vaccines still have potential serious adverse reactions (SAEs):
Switzerland has withdrawn recommendations to receive any COVID-19 vaccines. This action removes the shield against physicians’ liability for adverse consequences from vaccination. With no recommendation, the usual liability rules apply. Vaccines will be available “free” only to persons in certain risk groups; others will have to pay. In the U.S., the liability and payment situation has not changed.
Even if the protection against catching COVID is limited and short-lived, the shots are still claimed to protect against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Israeli researchers, however, write that there is no evidence for this claim.
If you are undecided about the vaccination, ask your doctor about these developments.
