MorningRX: September 12, 2023

CDC to Decide Who Should Get Updated COVID-19 Vaccines

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is set to meet on Tuesday to decide who should get the updated COVID-19 vaccines, the New York Times reported. The panel will discuss safety and efficacy data on the new shots to determine specific recommendations for who should get them and when. On Monday, the FDA approved and authorized for emergency use updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. Both pharmaceutical companies said that their vaccines are formulated to effectively target subvariants that are currently circulating, including the XBB.1.5, EG.5, and FL.1.5.1 variants. According to the New York Times, Americans may be able to receive the updated vaccines as early as Wednesday.

Novavax Says Its COVID-19 Vaccine is Read for Distribution

Shipments of Novavax’s protein-based non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine arrived in the United States on Monday and are ready for distribution, according to a press release from the pharmaceutical company. The vaccine, which would be the only non-mRNA vaccine approved for COVID-19 in the country, is currently being reviewed by the FDA for individuals 12 years and older. The updated version of the vaccine targets the XBB strain of COVID-19. Novavax will present the latest data during the CDC’s ACIP meeting on Tuesday to discuss vaccination for the fall season.

"Novavax is ready for the commercial delivery of our updated protein-based non-mRNA COVID vaccine this fall, and we are working closely with the FDA on its review of our Emergency Use Authorization application," John C. Jacobs, President and Chief Executive Officer at Novavax, said in a release. "Pending FDA authorization and CDC recommendation, Novavax’s vaccine will be widely available in major U.S. pharmacies, through Group Purchasing Organizations and through various government entities such as Vaccines for Children, as an option for individuals aged 12 and older to protect themselves against new variants this fall.”

Walgreens, Pearl Health to Expand Value-Based Care

Walgreens and technology company Pearl Health have partnered on an initiative that seeks to expand value-based care with primary care physicians, according to a release. The collaboration will see Walgreens provide complimentary services to Pearl Health’s suite of technology and insight solutions, including prescription fulfillment, medication adherence, immunizations, care gap closure, and diagnostic testing.

“Walgreens is committed to being the partner of choice for providers and health systems looking to transition quickly and effectively to value-based care and improve outcomes in the communities they serve,” John Driscoll, executive vice president and president of US Healthcare at Walgreens Boots Alliance, said in a release. “Our partnership with Pearl Health allows us to reach more communities faster and enable comprehensive, affordable care that improves long-term health outcomes and fosters healthier communities.”