Northeast Ohio health experts answer questions about new COVID-19 booster shot

Bivalent booster vaccines for COVID-19 are now available statewide in Ohio according to the state’s department of health. These new boosters target both the orginal strain of coronavirus and new Omicron subvariants.  Those subvariants known as BA.4 and BA.5 that have caused the most recent waves of infections.

The Pfizer booster is available to those 12-years and older while the Moderna vaccine is available for those 18 and up.

The newest boosters arrive as we head into fall and the return of colder temperatures, experts say, could bring another wave of cases. 

Later in the show, the Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs overturned the landmark Roe versus Wade case in late June.  In Ohio, the state implemented its so-called "heartbeat bill" that bans abortion at about six weeks, in the immediate aftermath of the Supreme Court ruling.  A full ban on abortion is also still a possibilty once lawmakers return this fall.

But there continue to be challenges to Ohio law, as well as stories of women traveling to neighboring states to access abortions.

Last week, the League of Women Voters of Ohio hosted a non-partisan forum seeking to answer questions about women's reproductive care amid Ohio's changing laws.

Donna Skoda, Health Commissioner, Summit County Public Health  
Amy Edwards, MD, Medical Director, Pediatric COVID Recovery Clinic, UH Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital 
Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV
David Hackney, MD, University Hospitals
Rebecca Flyckt, MD, University Hospitals
Jessie Hill, Case Western Reserve University