"Expert insights on upcoming COVID boosters and their effectiveness against new variants"

The FDA is expected to approve new COVID-19 booster shots in the coming days to combat a potential "tripledemic" of COVID, RSV, and influenza during the fall and winter. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will issue their recommendations after FDA approval, with vaccinations potentially starting immediately. While COVID cases are rising in many locations, including Illinois, some experts suggest waiting for the new shots, which are expected to target the XBB.1.5 strain of the virus. Current guidance encourages anyone six months or older to get vaccinated, with unvaccinated individuals urged to receive three doses and those already vaccinated recommended to get a bivalent booster dose.