Technologies
Moderna COVID booster: What to know about the new omicron variant, side effects, CDC rules
If you’re age 18 or older, you can now get a Moderna booster dose if it’s been at least six months since your second shot.

Moderna said it’s taking a three-prong approach to prepare for the new omicron coronavirus variant and could have a COVID-19 vaccine tailored specifially for the new virus strain early in 2022, if needed.
The new COVID-19 variant israising alarm bells around the world with fears that the mutuated virus could lead to a new surge of infections.
If you’re 18 years of age and older in the US, you now qualify for a Moderna booster shot. That goes for those fully vaccinated with the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, too, because you can now mix and match vaccines from approved drug-makers. Authorization for the Moderna booster — along with Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson booster shots and Pfizer vaccines for kids — comes at a time when the deadly and contagious delta variant has a lock on the US and as the new omicron mutation emerges in South Africa.
The COVID-19 vaccines have proved to be highly effective in preventing hospitalization, and those who are unvaccinated are 10 times more likely to be hospitalized if infected. With the federal vaccine mandates, the Biden administration aims to counter the surge and put pressure on anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated. Antiviral drugs could also help.
Here’s what you need to know about the Moderna booster, including its side effects. For more on COVID-19, here’s the latest on COVID-19 vaccines for kids, what to do if you lost your vaccination card, the difference between a booster and a third dose, and what to know about breakthrough infections.
What is Moderna’s strategy for its COVID vaccine and the new omicron variant?
Scientists worry the new variant, named omicron, could spread more quickly than the now-dominant delta variant because of the number of mutations the new strain has.
Moderna Chief Medical Officer Paul Burton told the BBC the drug-maker is researching the effectiveness of its COVID-19 vaccine against the new variant discovered in South Africa late last week.
«Will we be able to neutralize it andcontrolitandcontainitwiththecurrentvaccines?» Burton asked about Moderna’s response to the variant. «We should know in a couple of weeksfromlaboratoryexperiments.»
Burton said Moderna has a three-part strategy to be ready for the mutated virus: Firstly, it’s testing a 100-microgram dose of its booster to see if it provides better protection against the omicron variant. The Moderna booster authorized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a 50-microgram dose, half of what the CDC authorized for the first two shots of the Moderna vaccine. Secondly, it’s testing a COVID-19 vaccine that could protect against several mutated strains of the coronavirus. And thirdly, the company is working on an omicron-specific booster vaccine. Burton said if Moderna needs to make a new vaccine modified for the variant, it could be available early in2022.
All adults are now eligible for the Moderna booster dose
As of Nov. 19, all US adults — those age 18 and older — are eligible to get a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. They qualify if it’s been at least six months since they’ve received their second dose of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. Those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are eligible for a booster dose after two months. Adults are encouraged to get whatever booster dose is available to them, even if that means mixing and matching vaccine boosters (more below), in other words, getting a different booster shot than their original vaccination.
What about side effects with the Moderna COVID booster shot?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those who got the Moderna booster dose reported fewer reactions than they did after the second dose of the vaccine. In its study, the CDC found 95% of those who got Moderna for the first round of vaccine shots chose Moderna for the booster dose.
Yes, it’s safe to mix-and-match vaccine boosters
The US Food and Drug Administration has authorized mixing COVID-19 boosters, which in the US means Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson. Anyone eligible for a booster can get any of the available brands of coronavirus vaccines. If you initially received Johnson & Johnson and it’s been two months or longer since you received the initial dose, you’ll be able to get the Moderna or Pfizer booster. If you received Moderna or Pfizer for your first two shots, you could pick any authorized vaccine — including J&J — if you qualify and it’s been six months or longer since your second shot.
What does the Moderna booster shot do?
A COVID-19 booster shot — whether from Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson — tops off your immune response and guards against a breakthrough COVID-19 infection as the vaccine’s effectiveness decreases over time.
Recent studies of the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines show that their effectiveness can begin to wane after six months. Moderna said early data suggests that those who received the Moderna vaccine in 2020 are showing a higher rate of breakthrough COVID infections than those vaccinated this year, suggesting the need for a booster to maintain high levels of protection.
Is the Moderna vaccine booster the same as the original 2 COVID-19 doses?
Yes, almost. As with Pfizer’s booster, the third Moderna shot will be the same vaccine as the first two doses, except it’ll be a half dose. To make your life simpler, Moderna is also working on a combination shot that includes this year’s flu vaccine and its COVID-19 booster vaccine, but that’s not available right now.
Where can I get the Moderna booster shot?
According to the White House, boosters will be available at roughly 80,000 places across the country, including over 40,000 local pharmacies. Some 90% of Americans have a vaccine site within 5 miles of where they live. You can check Vaccines.gov to see which vaccines are available where, or call 800-232-0233 for vaccine information.
Is the Moderna COVID-19 booster shot free, or do I have to pay?
All booster shots will be free, regardless of immigration or health insurance status. However, depending on where you get your booster shot — for example, at a local pharmacy — you may be asked to log your insurance status. You may be asked to provide your insurance card information, including your name, date of birth and membership number. You will not be charged for your COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot.
Will I need a fourth COVID booster shot?
The CDC updated its guidance to say that next year, some immunocompromised people will be able to get a fourth COVID-19 booster shot. It’s unclear if other groups will need to get a fourth dose at this time.
For more on coronavirus treatments and vaccines, here’s what we know about monoclonal antibody treatments, the new federal vaccine mandates and why some people may not want the shot.
CNET’s Jessica Rendall contributed to this article.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
Technologies
Today’s Wordle Hints, Answer and Help for July 14, #1486
Here are hints and the answer for today’s tough Wordle for July 14, No. 1,486.

Looking for the most recent Wordle answer? Click here for today’s Wordle hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands puzzles.
Today’s Wordle puzzle is a pretty tough one. But if you guess the right vowels early, you’ve got a shot. If you need a new starter word, check out our list of which letters show up the most in English words. If you need hints and the answer, read on.
Today’s Wordle hints
Before we show you today’s Wordle answer, we’ll give you some hints. If you don’t want a spoiler, look away now.
Wordle hint No. 1: Repeats
Today’s Wordle answer has one repeated letter.
Wordle hint No. 2: Vowels
There are two vowels in today’s Wordle answer.
Wordle hint No. 3: Starting off
Today’s Wordle answer begins with a vowel.
Wordle hint No. 4: First letter
Today’s Wordle answer begins with U.
Wordle hint No. 5: Meaning
Today’s Wordle answer can refer to canceling or reversing something.
TODAY’S WORDLE ANSWER
Today’s Wordle answer is UNDID.
Yesterday’s Wordle answer
Yesterday’s Wordle answer, July 13, No. 1485 was GNOME.
Recent Wordle answers
July 9, No. 1481: NOVEL
July 10, No. 1482: JUMPY
July 11, No. 1483: BRAND
July 12, No. 1484: EXILE
What’s the best Wordle starting word?
Don’t be afraid to use our tip sheet ranking all the letters in the alphabet by frequency of uses. In short, you want starter words that lean heavy on E, A and R, and don’t contain Z, J and Q.
Some solid starter words to try:
ADIEU
TRAIN
CLOSE
STARE
NOISE
Technologies
The Ridiculously Thin Galaxy Z Flip 7 Is Sturdy AF. Ask Me How I Know
Commentary: Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7 comes with a welcome overhaul to its design. And I can definitely vouch for the new phone’s sturdiness.

If you’re concerned about how durable Samsung’s foldable phones are, I’m here to tell you not to worry. And that’s especially true when it comes to the new Galaxy Z Flip 7, which holds its own among today’s best smartphones.
After less than six hours with the Galaxy Z Flip 7, I accidentally performed my own informal drop test. At a catered affair in Brooklyn, I walked outside to get a view of the waterfront, and when I pulled the Z Flip 7 out of my pocket, I fumbled it. I watched helplessly as Samsung’s newest foldable phone fell to the ground. The noise it made when it clacked against the concrete caused everyone around to look at me with a knowing, sympathetic expression that said, «Aw, that’s a shame. Your phone is toast.»
Have you ever dropped your phone? There’s that Schrödinger’s cat-like moment before you pick it up when you’re anxious to see if the phone survived.
Fortunately, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 was fine. The 4.1-inch cover screen didn’t have any cracks or scuffs. The 6.9-inch inner display was unharmed because the phone was shut. The only tell that it kissed the ground was a tiny scuff on the bottom of the phone near the microphones. Samsung’s claim that its new «Armour Flex Hinge» is built to withstand impact is indeed true.
In the early days of foldable phones, one of the biggest unknowns was their durability. It’s amazing that about six years later, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 can handle being dropped on concrete like it had landed on a velvet pillow. Now, I still wouldn’t take the Flip 7 (or any foldable phone) to the beach, as it can only withstand particles that are 1mm or larger. So going to a confetti factory would be fine, but a salt factory is a definite no-no.
The Galaxy Z Flip 7’s thin design
The star of Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event was the Galaxy Z Fold 7. At 8.9mm thick when closed, the Fold 7 is ridiculously thin. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 looks like it also went on Ozempic, but it’s 13.7mm thick when closed. That’s slim, but not Fold 7 slim. Why couldn’t the Flip 7 be super slim like the Fold 7? I just keep imagining a Galaxy Z Flip 8 with the same thinness as the Fold 7.
For some perspective, here’s how the Flip 7 compares to its clamshell kinfolk:
Galaxy Z Flip 7 thickness vs. other flip phones
Phone | Closed | Open |
---|---|---|
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 | 13.7mm | 6.5mm |
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 | 14.9mm | 6.9mm |
Motorola Razr Plus | 15.32mm | 7.09mm |
Motorola Razr Ultra | 15.69mm | 7.19mm |
Motorola Razr (2025) | 15.85mm | 7.25mm |
The Galaxy Z Flip 7’s big cover screen
The original Galaxy Z Flip had a tiny, 1.1-inch pill-shaped cover display. It was perfect for showing the time but pretty much useless for anything else. The defining feature on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is its 4.1-inch cover display. The screen looks incredible. I was checking my notifications on the screen under direct sunlight and was able to read everything. One of the hang-ups I had reviewing the Galaxy Z Flip 6 was switching from the inner screen to the cover display outdoors. There would be times on sunny days where I could barely make out what was on the cover display, despite having no issues with the main screen.
Samsung has increased the maximum brightness of the Flip 7’s cover screen to 2,600 nits, which is the same as the inner display. Both screens now top out at 120Hz, too, which should make for a much more consistent experience by having system animations, gameplay and scrolling through a social feed look super smooth.
The 6.9-inch inner screen is big, but it doesn’t feel unwieldy when I use it. The Flip 6 had a 6.7-inch display, but that extra 0.2 inches on the Flip 7’s screen makes it feel much bigger, which my middle-aged eyes are grateful for.
In terms of functionality, the cover screen’s natural state is widgets. And some, like Spotify’s widget, are all I need in lieu of using full apps. But I want apps on the home screen, so I need to enable this functionality in the Labs section of Settings and download the MultiStar app. It takes a couple of minutes to set up, but I do wish the interface supported apps by default.
The Galaxy Z Flip 7’s cameras
The Flip 7 has three cameras: a 50-megapixel wide-angle, a 12-megapixel ultrawide and a 10-megapixel selfie camera (in the main 6.9-inch screen). The cameras are the same as those on the Flip 6 and Flip 7 FE. But the phones run on different processors, so differences or improvements in photos and videos (if any) will come from Samsung’s processing and machine learning.
Here are some of my favorite photos from the Galaxy Z Flip 7 so far:
Galaxy Z Flip 7 final thoughts for now
Samsung gave its foldable line a major overhaul. And while the Galaxy Z Fold 7 feels like an entirely different phone from previous Folds, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 seems like a nice refinement. I will say that I’ve had only two days with the phone. And as enamored as I am with the larger cover screen, I’m excited to see how the battery life measures up.
Samsung gave the Flip 7 a 4,300-mAh battery (compared with the Galaxy Z Flip 6’s 4,000-mAh battery), but I wonder if the increased capacity will be offset by the power needed for its Exynos 2500 chip and those larger, brighter displays.
I have a lot more testing to do. But as I work my way toward a full review, I’ll try not to drop the Flip 7 anymore.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 specs vs. Motorola Razr Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 | Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 | |
Cover display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate | 4.1-inch AMOLED, 948×1,048p, 120Hz refresh rate | 4-inch pOLED, 2,992×1,224p, up to 165Hz variable refresh rate | 3.4-inch AMOLED; 720×748 pixels; 60Hz refresh rate |
Internal display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate | 6.9-inch AMOLED, 2,520×1,080p, 1-120Hz refresh rate | 7-inch AMOLED; 1,272×1,080p, up to 165Hz variable refresh rate | 6.7-inch AMOLED; 2,640×1,080 pixels; 1-120Hz refresh rate |
Pixel density | Cover: 342ppi. Internal: 397ppi | Cover: 417 ppi. Internal: 464 ppi | Cover: 306 ppi. Internal: 425 ppi |
Dimensions (inches) | Open: 2.96×6.56×0.26 Closed: 2.96×3.37×0.26 | Open: 2.91×6.75×0.28 Closed: 2.91×3.47×0.62 | Open: 6.5 x 2.83 x 0.27 Closed: 3.35 x 2.83 x 0.59 |
Dimensions (millimeters) | Open: 75.2×166.7×6.5 Closed: 75.2×85.5×13.7 | Open: 73.99×171.48×7.19 Closed: 73.99×88.12×15.69 | Open: 165.1×71.9×6.9 Closed: 85.1×71.9×14.9 |
Weight (grams, ounces) | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 199 g (7 oz) | 187 g (6.6 oz) |
Mobile software | Android 16 | Android 15 | Android 14 |
Cameras | 50 megapixel (main), 12 megapixel (ultrawide) | 50 megapixel (wide), 50 megapixel (ultrawide) | 50 megapixel (wide), 12 megapixel (ultrawide) |
Internal screen camera | 10 megapixel | 50 megapixel | 10 megapixel |
Video capture | 4K at 60fps | 4K | TBD |
Processor | Samsung Exynos 2500 | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
RAM/storage | 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB | 16GB + 512GB, 1TB | 12GB + 256GB, 512GB |
Expandable storage | No | None | None |
Battery | 4,300 mAh | 4,700 mAh | 4,000 mAh |
Fingerprint sensor | Yes | Side | Side |
Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
Headphone jack | None | None | None |
Special features | One UI 8, IP48 water resistance, 25-watt wired charging, Qi wireless charging, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Galaxy AI | IP48 rating, 68-watt wired charging, 30-watt wireless charging, 5-watt reverse charging, dual stereo speakers, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic cover display, 3,000 nits peak brightness on cover display, 4,500 nits peak brightness on main display, 5G. | IP48 rating, 25-watt wired charging, wireless charging + powershare, 3x optical zoom (up to 10x digital and 30x Space Zoom with AI Super Resolution tech) |
US price starts at | $1,100 | $1,300 | $1,100 |
Correction, Jul. 12: The Galaxy Z Flip 7 runs on Samsung’s Exynos 2500 chip.
Technologies
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Monday, July 14
Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for July 14.

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Oh, come on, New York Times — that 8-Across answer in the Mini Crossword today is just a bunch of letters! It could almost be any letters that seem to make a sound! Stumped by this or any other answer today? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Account used to log into Threads, familiarly
Answer: INSTA
6A clue: Upscale gym freebie
Answer: TOWEL
7A clue: Bad thing to feel toward the end of a marathon
Answer: CRAMP
8A clue: Vowelless grunt
Answer: HMMPH
9A clue: Vegetable in fried rice
Answer: PEA
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Reason to scratch one’s head, perhaps
Answer: ITCH
2D clue: Standard
Answer: NORM
3D clue: Shrek’s home
Answer: SWAMP
4D clue: Arizona city between Phoenix and Mesa
Answer: TEMPE
5D clue: Gen ___ (kids born in the 2010s)
Answer: ALPHA
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