The Updated COVID-19 Booster (Bivalent) Offers Higher Protection Against Omicron Strains
Tomorrow, Friday, December 16th , Harris County Public Health (HCPH) will begin administering Moderna COVID-19 updated boosters (Bivalent) to children six months of age to five years old and Pfizer COVID-19 updated boosters for children six months to four years old at all HCPH Vaccination Sites. The updated COVID-19 booster vaccine offers higher protection against the original COVID-19 strains and the Omicron variant.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children six months to five years old who previously completed the primary series of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to receive a Moderna updated booster vaccine two months after their final primary series dose. Children six months to four years who are currently completing a Pfizer primary series will receive a Pfizer updated booster vaccine as their third primary dose.
As a result of the expanded eligibility, the original (monovalent) Pfizer COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine is no longer authorized as a third primary series dose in children six months to four years old and will not be offered at HCPH sites moving forward.
HCPH encourages everyone to get their updated booster when they meet eligibility criteria. Residents can also utilize the CDC’s online vaccination tool or reach out to their healthcare provider if they have questions. HCPH offers free COVID-19 vaccines and updated booster doses. Please visit readyharris.org or call 832-927-8787. Appointments are not necessary, but HCPH can help you find a location closest to you or help with special accommodations for those who need travel assistance.