Covid cases are on the rise in the UK. XEC is a new Covid variant that has been starting to spread in the UK and Europe. The NHS will be rolling out a Covid vaccination programme this autumn. Those who are at most risk will be able to access the Covid vaccine for free.

Novavax uses a protein-based vaccine strategy, which means people getting the vaccine receive a protein made by the virus that their body’s immune systems then see as foreign and mount responses against. mRNA vaccines, by contrast, include snippets of mRNA genetic material from the COVID-19 virus’ spike protein.

On Aug. 22, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the approval of a new Novavax COVID vaccine, as well as updated versions of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. According to NPR, this latest vaccine is already being distributed and administered across the country.

For those who are uninsured or under-insured, CDPH will have vaccine at its three CDPH Immunization Clinics. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is highly encouraged. Create an account and register for an appointment at https://getvaxchi.chicago.gov or by calling the clinic. Call ahead to make sure COVID-19 vaccine doses have arrived.

Pfizer's and Moderna's formulas have been the go-to on pharmacy shelves, but Novavax remains an important option.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that the Food and Drug Administration has ended a program that provided free COVID-19 vaccines in August of 2024. Because of that, some are warned to double-check your insurance before getting the shot.