FDA Updates COVID Vaccine Boosters

Health officials in the United States are encouraging people to get bivalent COVID-19 vaccine boosters.

Here's what you need to know.

What Is a Bivalent Vaccine Booster?

Also referred to as "updated" COVD vaccine boosters, the bivalent boosters contain two components:

1. Part of the original COVID-19 virus
2. Part of the Omicron variant of the virus

Both parts enable your immune system to better defend against COVID-19.

The first component provides broad protection against COVID-19 in general, and the second provides more specific protection against the widespread Omicron variant, according to the FDA.

Who Needs to Get One?

Because the COVID-19 virus changes over time (like all viruses), immune protection you may have from vaccines or prior infections may wane over time. That means many people who were previously vaccinated or ill may need to get a bivalent COVID-19 booster.

The FDA has authorized these boosters to be given to individuals who were vaccinated or boosted at least two months ago. One bivalent booster formulation is approved for those who are 5 years old or older (Pfizer), and the other is approved for those who are 6 or older (Moderna).

Which Bivalent Boosters Has the FDA Approved?

The FDA has approved two bivalent COVID-19 vaccine boosters:

1. Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent
2. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent

Both are authorized as single booster doses.

How Can I Schedule My Bivalent Booster?

To schedule your bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster, reach out to your community pharmacist or doctor, or find locations at this federal government website.