Some BGSU students say they are on the fence about getting the new and approved Coronavirus vaccine booster. 

On Monday, Sept. 11, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the Coronavirus booster to be made publicly available by mid-September.

The booster, produced by Pfizer and Moderna, will be working against the XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant and is referred to as the “2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine.”

This sub-variant originates from COVID strand BA.2.86, commonly referred to as “Pirola.” This variant has quickly grabbed the attention of healthcare officials due to its large number of mutations. The FDA stated “…The FDA anticipates that the composition of COVID-19 vaccines may need to be updated annually, as is done for the seasonal influenza vaccine.”

Who’s getting the booster? 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone six months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine.

While the CDC recommends this for certain ages, not everyone on campus is entirely on board with receiving the shot. 

“I would love to get the COVID vaccine, I’m just worried about the price of the booster,” said freshman Breanna Norwalk-Anderson. 

Out of a survey of 50 random BGSU students, 28 students stated that they plan to get the new 2023-2024 COVID-19 booster.

How much will it cost? 

During an interview with Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel, pricing for the upcoming variant booster was heavily discussed. 

For the first time since the starting point of the pandemic, vaccinations will not be provided for free. The government will no longer be providing vaccines but instead, each person will be individually charged based on their insurance. 

“The U.S. Government will leave Americans on our own to foot the bill,” Chairman Christopher Morten said during a recent Senate Health Committee meeting. “Moderna has proposed massive price increases from $20 or $30 a dose to $110 or even $130.”

Where is the booster available? 

The booster, which has a timeline of availability to the public between mid-September to late-October, will be found in multiple locations in Bowling Green. 

Residents can receive the booster at the Wood County Hospital, Walgreens, Kroger’s Little Clinic, Rite Aid and Meijer. 

The American Medical Association recommends people to check the safety of receiving other shots at the same time. 

At this time the following locations do not have any information in regards to what brand they will be receiving or on what specific date will be made accessible. For more assistance finding vaccination locations near you visit vaccines.gov .