The Checkup With Dr. Wen: Here’s who needs to get the new covid shot now

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As expected, the Food and Drug Administration approved a new round of the coronavirus vaccine this month, which is arriving at pharmacies. This shot is an updated formulation that targets the KP.2 variant and is expected to be more effective against currently circulating variants than last year’s vaccine.

The official guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is that everyone 6 months and older should receive this shot. Such broad language has advantages, including ensuring that insurance companies cover the shots and that the coronavirus vaccine schedule aligns with that of the annual flu shot. But population-wide guidance needs to be tailored to individual circumstances, as not everyone needs the new formulation with the same urgency or timing.

“My mother is 88 years young and living in a senior community in Florida,” Michelle from New York wrote. “She’s very active but has heart and lung problems. She hasn’t had a covid vaccine in two years. Is it too late for her to get up-to-date with it again? Does she need two shots or just........

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