Connect with others who understand.

Sign up Log in
About MyDesmoidTumorTeam
Powered By
See answer

3 Layers of COVID-19 Protection: New Vaccines, Prevention Drug, and Tests

Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Cueto, M.D.
Written by Ted Samson
Posted on October 10, 2024

This fall and winter, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects the number of people hospitalized with respiratory viruses like COVID-19, RSV, and influenza to be similar to or lower than last year — but still higher than before the pandemic. To help protect against the latest COVID-19 variants, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated vaccines.

Separately, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) is recommending people who are immunocompromised consider taking pemivibart (Pemgarda), a preventive treatment against severe illness from COVID-19. Recent research also suggests that taking the antiviral treatment nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid) during a COVID-19 infection can lower the risk of long COVID for people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.

Finally, free COVID-19 tests are now available to U.S. households.

Updated COVID-19 Vaccines

The updated messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer are designed specifically to target the most recent variants of the virus, including the omicron KP.2 strain. Similarly, the updated Novavax COVID-19 vaccine — which is protein-based — has been updated to target the omicron JN.1 strain. This targeted approach aims to provide better protection against hospitalization or death from COVID-19.

The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine. “It is especially important to get your 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine if you are ages 65 and older, are at high risk for severe COVID-19, or have never received a COVID-19 vaccine,” according to the agency.

Additional Protection for Immunocompromised Individuals

In August, the IDSA released guidelines recommending pemivibart for people 12 and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised and may not respond effectively to vaccines. Granted an emergency use authorization by the FDA in March 2024, pemivibart is taken to help prevent COVID-19 in people who are not currently infected with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and have not had recent exposure to someone with the virus. It’s given as an IV infusion and works by neutralizing (stopping or weakening) the virus if the person is exposed to it.

For people who are immunocompromised and do catch COVID-19, taking nirmatrelvir-ritonavir may help reduce their risk of long COVID. The FDA approved the drug in 2023 to treat moderate COVID-19 in people at high risk of severe illness. An observational study found that taking nirmatrelvir-ritonavir was linked to a 12 percent lower chance of developing long COVID — primarily for people with a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Free Tests Available

Finally, the federal government will offer free COVID-19 tests through the mail. Every U.S. household can order four tests at COVIDTests.gov. These tests will detect current COVID-19 variants.

Should You Consider the New COVID-19 Vaccines or Treatments if You Have Desmoid Tumors?

If you’re being treated for desmoid tumors, especially with therapies that can suppress the immune system, your immune system may be compromised. This could increase your risk of severe COVID-19. Staying up to date on vaccines is critical for your protection, and pemivibart may offer an additional layer of defense. If you contract COVID-19, nirmatrelvir-ritonavir may help reduce severe illness.

However, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to protecting yourself against COVID-19 if you’re living with a desmoid tumor. It’s important to discuss with your doctor whether the latest vaccines, pemivibart, or Paxlovid could be suitable for you.

Learn how desmoid tumor treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery may increase your risk for infection.

Find Your Team

If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines and desmoid tumors, you’re not alone. By joining MyDesmoidTumorTeam — the social network for people living with desmoid tumors and their loved ones — you can connect with others who understand life with this condition.

What have your experiences been with COVID-19 and vaccines? Share your story in the comments, or start a conversation on your Activities page.

Posted on October 10, 2024
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.

We'd love to hear from you! Please share your name and email to post and read comments.

You'll also get the latest articles directly to your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Privacy Policy
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.

Subscribe now to ask your question, get answers, and stay up to date on the latest articles.

Get updates directly to your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Privacy Policy
Elizabeth Cueto, M.D. graduated from the National Polytechnic Institute in Mexico City. Learn more about her here.
Ted Samson is a copy editor at MyHealthTeam. Learn more about him here.

Recent Articles

Desmoid tumors are rare tumors that require care from an experienced specialist. Unfortunately, m...

Traveling for Desmoid Tumor Treatment: Resources for Support

Desmoid tumors are rare tumors that require care from an experienced specialist. Unfortunately, m...
Desmoid tumors are rare, noncancerous tumors that develop in the body’s soft tissues. The head an...

Desmoid Tumor in the Neck and Head: 7 Facts To Know

Desmoid tumors are rare, noncancerous tumors that develop in the body’s soft tissues. The head an...
Getting a desmoid tumor diagnosis can be confusing, and many people receive incorrect diagnoses a...

What Can Desmoid Tumors Be Misdiagnosed As?

Getting a desmoid tumor diagnosis can be confusing, and many people receive incorrect diagnoses a...
If you are undergoing targeted therapies for desmoid tumors, such as nirogacestat (Ogsiveo) — the...

Can You Take Supplements During Desmoid Tumor Treatment?

If you are undergoing targeted therapies for desmoid tumors, such as nirogacestat (Ogsiveo) — the...
Living with desmoid tumors can take a toll on your self-esteem. The condition can cause anxiety a...

Desmoid Tumor and Self-Esteem

Living with desmoid tumors can take a toll on your self-esteem. The condition can cause anxiety a...
If you have desmoid tumors, you may experience feelings of anxiety, depression, fear, or uncertai...

Desmoid Tumor and Mental Health: What To Expect From Counseling

If you have desmoid tumors, you may experience feelings of anxiety, depression, fear, or uncertai...

Thank you for subscribing!

Become a member to get even more: