Gateau, C (2023) | The Updated COVID-19 Shot Works on the Newest Variants | TIME.  https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GettyImages-1674135313.jpg?quality=85&w=1920

The XBB 1.5 Vaccine is NOT a booster. It targets a new strain of COVID and is meant to replace the primary series of vaccines. 

The vaccine received FDA approval on Monday, September 11, 2023, and is available. If you do not have it, you are not up to date on vaccination. 

Like most vaccines, COVID vaccinations are general, not sterilizing vaccinations. This means the COVID vaccine is meant to prevent or reduce symptoms of the virus, not prevent contraction entirely. This means that even if you are vaccinated, you CAN still contract and spread COVID-19.

• The Ashe Student Health & Wellness Center offers vaccines to students; schedule an appointment through the Ashe Center’s COVID-19 vaccine hub for UCLA students.

• UCSHIP students can access the COVID-19 vaccine WITHOUT a referral

• Non-UCSHIP students should contact their primary care provider for information about vaccines.

• UCLA only provides mRNA vaccines 

(2024) | Infants born to COVID-infected mothers have triple the risk of developing respiratory distress, UCLA-led research suggests | UCLA Health.  https://www.uclahealth.org/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_16x9_032000_1280x720/public/banner-images/5b/covid-vaccine-istock.jpg?f=356d3150&itok=ItstVeIz

• Public Vaccination Sites can be found with the following two tool links

  • LACDPH Search Tool

  • General Search Tool

• Check coverage with your insurance provider. Most still cover COVID-19 vaccinations.

• mRNA or Novavax vaccines 

(2023) | COVID numbers surge | The Guardian. https://res.cloudinary.com/cognitives-s3/image/upload/c_fill,dpr_auto,f_auto,fl_lossy,g_auto,h_515,q_100/v1/cog-aap/n/453/2023/Mar/15/vDr3QtrQfNW2imkDXo1L.jpeg

• Targets XBB 1.5 variant 

• Use messenger RNA to instruct cells to produce a protein that triggers an immune response.

• Side Effects 

  • Pain at injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and swollen lymph nodes

  • Rare cases of serious allergic reactions and heart problems in the 14 days after vaccination 

• FDA Approved for 6-months and older  

• mRNA vaccines can be found at most Pharmacies, Costco, Kroger, Target, and Walmart. 

  • Find a Pfizer Vaccine

  • Find a Moderna Vaccine

  • Always contact pharmacy/retailer

• Targets XBB 1.5 variant 

• Injects proteins resembling those in SARS-CoV-2 to enhance the immune response. A more traditional vaccine. 

• Side Effects

  • Pain at injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and swollen lymph nodes

  • Rare cases of serious allergic reactions and heart problems in the 10 days after vaccination 

• FDA approved for 12-years and older 

• Lower risk of causing myocarditis and pericarditis. 

• Novavax can be found at most Pharmacies, Costco, Albertsons, Target, and Walmart. 

  • Find a Novavax Vaccine

  • Always contact pharmacy/retailer

Chen, E (2022) | Physicians say they need clearer guidance on prescribing Paxlovid amid concerns around COVID-19 rebound | PBS.  https://d3i6fh83elv35t.cloudfront.net/static/2022/05/2022-05-28T110526Z_1754196248_RC2MFS9OUV8U_RTRMADP_3_HEALTH-CORONAVIRUS-TREATMENTS-PFIZER-1024x683.jpg

COVID antiviral medications, such as Paxlovid, are meant to help decrease symptoms and prevent severe illness in patients who are at high risk. 

If you fall ill with COVID, ask your healthcare provider for Paxlovid or other antivirals. Unless you have other contradicting health conditions, medication is recommended by the CDC and is most effective within the first 5-7 days of symptom onset.

At least 75% of U.S. adults are considered ‘high risk,' including, but not limited to: 

• BIPOC 

• LGBTQIA+ 

• People with depression

• People with anxiety

• Anyone with any mood disorder or mental illness 

• Anyone who has had COVID-19 in the past (known or unknown)

• People with disabilities

• People with any other underlying health conditions 

• People experiencing socioeconomic disparity

For example, BIPOC make up close to 65% of UCLA’s undergraduate population alone, and therefore most of UCLA’s undergraduate population is at heightened risk just based off of demographic data.