Latest Covid shots from Pfizer, Moderna, what to know

U.S. health officials have long told patients to expect annual updates to Covid shots because the virus mutates into recent strains that may dodge the immunity people develop from previous vaccinations or infections. It’s much like how the U.S. rolls out recent flu shots every year. 

This time, the shots from Pfizer and Moderna are designed to focus on a strain called KP.2, a descendant of the highly contagious omicron subvariant JN.1 that began circulating widely within the U.S. earlier this 12 months. 

The CDC recommends that everybody 6 months and older receive one dose of the brand new Covid vaccine. 

Following the approval last week, Pfizer and Moderna each said they expected their recent shots to be available in pharmacies, hospitals and clinics across the U.S. “in the approaching days.” 

Walgreens said patients can now schedule vaccination appointments at stores nationwide, in response to a press release on Thursday. Appointments for people ages 12 and above can be found starting on Sept. 6, the corporate noted. 

Most private insurance policy, in addition to the federal Medicare and Medicaid programs, cover the fee of Covid vaccinations.

In a press release last week, Novavax said it’s working “productively” with the FDA because the agency completes its review. Novavax expects its shot to receive authorization in time for peak vaccination season within the U.S.

A continuous glucose monitor, or a CGM, is a small sensor that sticks through the skin and measures glucose levels in real time. Glucose is a form of sugar people receive from carbohydrates, and it is the body’s primary energy source. 

Everyone’s glucose levels fluctuate, but high levels can result in serious health problems like diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease over time. CGMs are typically prescribed to patients with diabetes so that they can monitor their glucose levels and get alerted to emergencies. 

Stelo is primarily designed for adults with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes who don’t use insulin, though people without either condition may also get it. The device launched within the U.S. on Monday after the Food and Drug Administration approved it in March. 

Users should buy a one-month supply of Stelo online for $99, or join for an ongoing subscription at $89 a month. Patients may also use their flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts to pay for it, Dexcom said. Dexcom is working with Amazon to satisfy Stelo deliveries.

I have been using the sensor for a pair weeks, and I’ve already learned quite a bit. I feel it’s a simple product to try for an approachable introduction to understanding your glucose data. 

Once your sensors arrive at your house, every little thing you would like is within the box. First, you apply the sensor to your arm and pair it with the Stelo app. 

The app walks you thru exactly what to do, so there is not any should be nervous. I cleaned the back of my right arm, placed Dexcom’s applicator there, pressed the button and the sensor popped right on. There is a small needle within the applicator that may look just a little unnerving, but I didn’t feel a thing. 

The CGM connects to the Stelo app via Bluetooth, after which it takes a couple of half hour to warm up. 

Once I got to this step the primary time, I encountered some problems. Once my device had warmed up, I got an error message that said “Transient Sensor Issue.” It told me to not take off the CGM, and said the difficulty would resolve inside up to 3 hours. I left it on for the remainder of the day, but by evening, I noticed some light bleeding across the sensor. 

I made a decision to take that CGM off, which you’ll be able to do by peeling it like a sticker. I attempted again with a recent sensor on my other arm, and that one warmed up and worked accurately. I have not had any more trouble with bleeding. Should you encounter any issues with Stelo whilst you’re using it, you’ll be able to message the chat feature on the web site to ask questions or get a substitute if mandatory.

On the entire, I feel the sensor is sort of easy to wear. It’s waterproof, and it lasts for 15 days at a time (a recent record for Dexcom). It’s gray, around the dimensions of 1 / 4 and about half an inch thick. Though it snagged once in a while after I was pulling on long sleeves, I felt like I could wear anything over it. I didn’t notice it while sleeping, either.  

I’ve also found Stelo’s app interface easy to make use of, and I feel Dexcom does an excellent job presenting the info in a way that does not feel overwhelming or confusing. 

On the Stelo homepage, you will see your latest glucose reading, which is updated every quarter-hour. You will also see a graph of your readings every day, which incorporates a shaded green area to point your “Goal Range.” That span is where Dexcom encourages users to try to maintain their glucose levels, based on existing medical standards. 

The tab next to the house page is the “Events” page, which is where you’ll be able to log meals, activity, fingersticks, that are one other strategy to measure blood sugar, or other notes. You need not log every little detail of your day, but Jake Leach, chief operating officer at Dexcom, told me it is important to log while you’re experiencing a glucose spike. 

Glucose spikes occur when the quantity of sugar present within the bloodstream rapidly increases after which decreases. This often happens after eating. Stelo will notify you while you’re experiencing a notable spike, and logging an entry can provide help to reflect on what could be causing them, Leach said. 

If it is your first time using a CGM, I definitely recommend reading through the articles within the app’s “Learn” tab. They’re short, and so they help break down concepts like what glucose is, what affects it and why it matters.

In only a pair weeks, I’ve learned quite a bit about how my body responds to food and activity with Stelo. And now that the tech is obtainable over-the-counter, I would not be surprised if CGMs change into the following big tech wearable within the U.S. 

Be at liberty to send any suggestions, suggestions, story ideas and data to Ashley at ashley.capoot@nbcuni.com.