Say Goodbye to Free COVID-19 Shots: CDC Approves Priced Boosters for Omicron Subvariants

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially endorsed COVID-19 booster shots for individuals six months and older as we approach the fall season.

Monday, the FDA cleared updated booster shots from Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE) and Moderna Inc (NASDAQ: MRNA) for individuals aged six months and older. 

The new booster shots have been designed to target the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5, which dominated cases earlier this year. 

Moderna and Pfizer have reported strong immune responses from their boosters against the newer circulating variants, including EG. 5, the most common Omicron subvariant, often called "Eris."

Pfizer has announced that its vaccine will be readily available shortly following the CDC's recommendation, with Moderna also stating that their shots will be accessible soon.

According to the CDC committee, all individuals aged five and older should receive a single dose of the updated Covid-19 vaccines. Children between six months and four years old should complete an initial series that includes at least one new booster dose.

Immunocompromised individuals should complete their initial series, along with at least one dose of the new vaccines, and may receive one or more additional doses as needed.

Notably, this season is the first where COVID-19 shots are no longer universally free, following the conclusion of the U.S. public health emergency in May. 

Moderna has set a list price of $129 per dose for its COVID-19 booster, while Pfizer's spokesperson cited a list price of $115 per dose.

Price Action: PFE shares are up 0.26% at $34.24 during the premarket session on the last check Wednesday, and MRNA shares are trading higher by 4.14% at $109.60.