Regardless of past vaccination status with the original mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, everyone who hasn't yet can receive a single Omicron booster, which is also called the Bivalent vaccine. This can provide additional protection against circulating strains. The newer Bivalent booster rolled out last fall and contains components from the original virus strain as well as the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron variants. It is now the standard for COVID-19 boosters and can be given as a primary first dose too.
Here are the current simplified guidelines:
- Everyone 6 years of age and older should get one Bivalent Covid-19 vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) to be considered up to date.
- People aged 65 years and older may get a second updated booster (at least 4 months after they had their first).
- For those under 65, only people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may also get a second Bivalent booster dose (2 months after their first dose). Those with other underlying medical conditions only need a single Bivalent dose to be up to date.
- Children 6 months through 5 years of age may receive one or more doses of the updated vaccine depending on the number of doses they previously received.
- Please bring photo identification and insurance card to your appointment.
- Please cancel and do not attend your appointment if you are quarantining or isolating due to COVID-19.