SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – A new COVID-19 vaccine will be available soon. Thursday, Aug. 22 the Food and Drug Administration approved the updated formula.
According to the CDC, South Dakota is 1 of 27 states where COVID-19 cases are increasing.
Similar to the flu, the COVID-19 virus changes, hence the need for an updated vaccine.
“So every year there is going to be new strains that are circulating which could get people sick,” Pharmacist with Lewis Drug, Sara Hicks said. “So that’s why there are consistent changes that are occurring to the vaccine so they can find the strain that will protect the most amount of people.”
Hicks says Lewis expects the new vaccines to arrive within a week.
“So we are expecting the vaccine either later this week or next week. That Labor Day holiday may slow things down just a little bit with shipping because it’s a refrigerated item,” Hicks said.
Walk-ins are welcome during pharmacy hours on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends until 6 p.m.
Something Betty Meyer from Sioux Falls plans on getting.
“I’ve been hearing about it from my medical professional friends and my doctors. And I’m excited about it because we need to do all we can to protect us and to slow down the growth of it,” Meyer said.
But some are not interested.
“I’m not planning on getting it. No, I never did get it. So it to me seems like it’s kind of not important at this point, but more power to the people that do,” Kristy Eden, from Sioux Falls said.
Just like getting the flu shot, Hicks says there will be slight side effects after.
“Typically a very mild headache, maybe low-grade fever, tiredness, or just that general body, achiness, tiredness. Typically, those symptoms are a 24-hour, 48-hour time frame, and then you’re back to your normal self,” Hicks says.
If you plan to get the vaccine they recommend you bring your insurance card with you.
Children under the age of 18 will need a guardian with them. For children younger than three, you should visit with your doctor first.
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine at Lewis Drug click here.
