COVID-19 Booster Shot

An updated COVID-19 vaccine booster shot is hitting shelves in the St. Louis region this week after the federal government approved the shots for emergency use. Area health officials and doctors say everyone who can should get the updated booster, even if they’ve received the vaccine or previous boosters in the past.

Washington University scientists are conducting a clinical trial of a new version of the original Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Researchers say it will likely be better suited to newer BA.4 and BA.5 variants of the virus that have become dominant this summer.

St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force officials say the coronavirus is spreading at a rate about five times higher than six weeks ago, but less than during the coronavirus peak in January. They're again urging people to get the COVID-19 vaccine and wear masks.

Local health officials and doctors are urging residents to take the COVID-19 vaccine or get a coronavirus test before seeing family over the holidays.

The Belle-Clair Fairgrounds started offering booster shots on Tuesday. It will operate three days a week for the next three weeks.