The highly contagious Omicron variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 is now responsible for nearly all COVID infections. The good news is there is a new booster shot available, and it is designed to target multiple COVID-19 variants, including Omicron.
The new booster shot is referred to as the “bivalent” booster because it contains components to combat multiple strains of the virus that causes COVID-19.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:
- The bivalent Moderna vaccine is authorized as a single booster dose in individuals 18 years of age and older.
- The bivalent Pfizer vaccine is authorized as a single booster dose in individuals 12 years of age and older.
- Both are approved as a single booster dose at least 2 months following primary or booster vaccination.
- A bivalent COVID-19 booster dose can be co-administered with other vaccines, including a flu shot.
People who have already had COVID-19 should still consider getting the new booster because antibody protection fades over time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises waiting at least three months after infection to get the booster.
We are offering the bivalents Moderna and Pfizer on Fridays from 8:30-4:30. It can be walk in basis or call and ask for Sherri at extension 5063 .