Vaccinations
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
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
mRNA vaccines can be found at most Pharmacies, Costco, Kroger, Target, and Walmart.
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
Lower risk of causing myocarditis and pericarditis.
Novavax can be found at most Pharmacies, Costco, Albertsons, Target, and Walmart.
Always contact pharmacy/retailer
The CDC has release no official preference
*If worried about health risks, consult a healthcare professional before choosing between the two*
Medications
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.
UCLA Ashe Center does offer Paxlovid through the Bruin Health Pharmacy in Ackerman Union.
It is free with UCSHIP
If Non-UCSHIP, check with healthcare provider for coverage
SESAME Care (California)
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
all three programs require registration and have varying eligibility requirements
reference links for more information
Janes, C (2024) | Ashe Center awarded for commitment to quality of LGBTQ health care services | Daily Bruin. https://wp.dailybruin.com/images/2018/04/web.ns_.news_.LGBTQAshecenter.file_.jpg
Pfizer and BioNTech Receive U.S. FDA Approval for 2023-2024 COVID-19 Vaccine | https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-and-biontech-receive-us-fda-approval-2023-2024-covid
Shine Inside and Out: Student Health at UCLA | https://www.studenthealth.ucla.edu/
COVID-19 Vaccine Hub for UCLA Students | https://www.studenthealth.ucla.edu/covid19-vaccine-info
MESSENGER RNA (MRNA) | https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/messenger-rna
COVID-19 Vaccines for 2023-2024 | https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/covid-19-vaccines-2023-2024
Comparing the differences between COVID-19 vaccines | https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/comparing-vaccines
Exploring Types of Vaccines – Traditional vs. mRNA | https://www.anthem.com/blog/living-healthy/exploring-types-of-vaccines/
Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted | https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/coronavirus-covid-19-cber-regulated-biologics/novavax-covid-19-vaccine-adjuvanted
U.S. population at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33615285/
Underlying Medical Conditions Associated with Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19: Information for Healthcare Professionals | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-care/underlyingconditions.html
Facts & Figures | https://www.ucla.edu/about/facts-and-figures
Long COVID (Post-COVID Conditions, PCC) | https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/long-covid-post-covid-conditions-pcc
Interim Clinical Considerations for COVID-19 Treatment in Outpatients | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-care/outpatient-treatment-overview.html