New COVID-19 vaccines are available at the Hub

The new 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccines are now available at Pitt's Vaccination and Health Connection Hub.

"The recent summer surge of COVID-19 has created concern about how best to prepare for the upcoming fall and winter seasons," said Joe Suyama, the Hub's medical director and professor of emergency medicine and vice chair for career development in Pitt's School of Medicine.

"This year's COVID-19 vaccine has been updated to better match the current circulating COVID-19 variants. So, getting your COVID-19 update along with your flu shot will be the best way to decrease the chances you will have severe illness or end up in the hospital from either condition, especially if you are at high risk for a bad outcome."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting the new vaccine is important even if you have been vaccinated previously because protection from the COVID-19 vaccine decreases with time.

According to a CDC statement announcing the new vaccines, more than 916,300 people were hospitalized due to COVID-19 and more than 75,500 people died from COVID-19 in 2023. During the 2023-24 flu season, more than 44,900 people are estimated to have died from flu complications.

The Hub, located in Nordenberg Hall, 4041 Fifth Ave., will have Moderna shots for patients 3 and older and Pfizer shots for patients 5 and older. After Dec. 1, the Hub will be able to vaccinate only patients 5 and older. Please note, all COVID-19 vaccines are subject to supply chain availability.

The Hub will also be offering its annual flu shot clinics at the William Pitt Union on Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., as part of the Safety Fair and at the Petersen Events Center on Oct. 8, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and Oct. 9, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. The Hub will be closed on those days.

Appointments are encouraged, but patients may be accepted on a walk-in basis.