This article was originally published on vcuhealth.org.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sept. 1 recommended Moderna and Pfizer’s updated COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for use among teens and adults in the United States. The updated booster shots received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Aug. 31.
VCU Health infectious disease expert Dr. Gonzalo Bearman discusses the need for the updated COVID-19 boosters.
These updated vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer provide greater protection against omicron variants. They are bivalent vaccines which means that they combine the original vaccine with one that targets the omicron strains.
These updated booster shots are necessary because they provide additional protection against the latest variants of COVID-19 and will be more effective in protecting individuals against infection and disease.
Updated COVID-19 boosters from Pfizer are recommended for people ages 12 years and older and from Moderna for people ages 18 years and older. Even if you have already received one booster shot, the updated booster is recommended because it is formulated to better protect against the most recently circulating COVID-19 variant.
In the coming weeks, the CDC also is expected to recommend updated COVID-19 boosters for other pediatric groups.
People ages 18 years and older may get a different booster than they got for their primary vaccinations as long as it’s Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or, in some cases, Johnson & Johnson. Children and teens ages 5 through 17 years who got Pfizer for their initial vaccinations must also get Pfizer for a booster.
Novavax is not authorized for use as a booster dose at this time.
COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots are available at most pharmacies, doctor’s offices and hospitals. Call (804) 828-CHOR to schedule boosters for kids ages 6 months and older.
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