There’s a New COVID-19 Bivalent Booster Vaccine!

On September 2, 2022, an updated COVID-19 booster vaccine became available. This new, updated booster is referred to as the “Bivalent Booster”. The updated (bivalent) boosters are called “bivalent” because they protect against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5. Previous boosters are called “monovalent” because they were designed to protect against the original virus that causes COVID-19. They also provide some protection against Omicron, but not as much as the updated (bivalent) boosters. The virus that causes COVID-19 has changed over time and the different versions of the virus that have developed over time are called variants. COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and dying. As with other vaccine-preventable diseases, you are protected best from COVID-19 when you stay up to date with the recommended vaccinations, including recommended boosters.

Who is Eligible to Receive the Bivalent Booster?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines for their age group. Updated bivalent boosters are recommended for some people. The CDC recommends that people ages 5 years and older receive one updated (bivalent) booster if it has been at least two months since their last COVID-19 vaccine, whether that was: their final primary series dose, or an original (monovalent) booster. People who have gotten more than one original (monovalent) booster are also recommended to get an updated (bivalent) booster. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised have different recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines. You may use this tool to determine when you or if you (or your child) can get one or more COVID-19 boosters: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Additional information regarding the bivalent booster may be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html.

What if You Recently Recovered From COVID-19?

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine after you recover from COVID-19 infection provides added protection against COVID-19. If you recently had COVID-19, you may consider delaying your next vaccine dose (primary dose or booster) by 3 months from when your symptoms started or, if you had no symptoms, when you first received a positive test.

When Are You Up to Date on COVID-19 Vaccines?

You are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines if you have completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series and received the most recent booster dose recommended for you by CDC. COVID-19 vaccine recommendations are based on three factors: your age, the vaccine you first received, and the length of time since your last dose.

Upcoming Bivalent Booster Vaccination Clinics

The Bedford Health Department is hosting free COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccination clinics, for eligible Bedford residents, on November 2nd, 7th, and 16th. The clinics will offer the Pfizer-BioNtech bivalent vaccine and the Moderna bivalent vaccine, while supplies last. Pre-registration is required, and additional details may be found at: https://www.bedfordma.gov/health-department/pages/covid-19-bivalent-booster-vaccination-clinics. If you need assistance with online registration, please contact the Council on Aging at 781-275-6825. For additional information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, please contact the Health Department at 781-275-6507 or visit https://www.bedfordma.gov/health-department.