WASHINGTON (Sept. 14, 2023)-- The Food and Drug Administration has approved a reformulated COVID vaccine in a move that promises to protect Americans just in time for a possible surge in COVID cases this fall. The new booster shots target an omicron subvariant of the COVID virus, which has been circulating throughout the United States. The new shots could be available as soon as the end of this week.
The George Washington University has experts available to discuss the new updated vaccine, who should get the shots and how Americans can protect themselves this season from COID and other respiratory illnesses.
To interview a George Washington University expert please contact Rachel Larris, [email protected] or Kathy Fackelmann, [email protected]
David Diemert is clinical director of the GW Vaccine Research unit and professor of medicine at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences. He was also the principal investigator for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine trial at GW. He can discuss the new COVID booster shot.
Jose A. Lucar is an associate professor of infectious diseases at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences and has served as an investigator in several COVID-19 treatment and prevention clinical trials.
Michael Knight is an assistant professor of medicine at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences. He can discuss which groups are at greater risk of contracting COVID and the importance of getting booster shots.
Elissa Malkin is an assistant research professor of medicine at the GW Vaccine Research Unit at the School of Medicine & Health Sciences and has expertise in COVID vaccine development. She can discuss the development process of COVID vaccines.
Maria Elena Ruiz is an associate professor of medicine and an infectious disease expert at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences. She can discuss COVID transmission and protection, in either Spanish, Portuguese or English.
Emily R. Smith is an assistant professor of global health. She is the author of a study published showing that pregnant women with COVID are seven times higher risk of dying during pregnancy or childbirth and can discuss the impact of COVID during pregnancy.