US plans transition to annual COVID-19 shots

As updated boosters roll out, Biden administration plans to shift ‘once-a-year’ vaccine, similar to annual flu shot

As millions of Americans begin to receive their annual flu vaccine, health officials hope COVID-19 boosters can operate the same way.

Dr. Ashish Jha, the White House COVID-19 response coordinator, said Tuesday the new booster shot, which targets the highly transmissible Omicron subvariants, will mark “an important milestone” as the country transitions to annual vaccinations that will “provide a high degree of against serious illness all year.”

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said the first batch of the boosters from Pfizer and Moderna arrived Friday and are now available in hospitals, pharmacies, and health clinics across the state. 

The Globe reported Sunday that it was unclear if people were eager to get the booster shots. But as fall approaches and students head back to school with fewer COVID restrictions, the vaccine will provide key protection against the virus. 

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