The Updated Booster (Bivalent) Protects Against the Original COVID-19 its Omicron Strains
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) will begin administering Moderna COVID-19 updated boosters (Bivalent) to children six years of age and older beginning Wednesday, October 19th. HCPH will also begin administering Pfizer COVID-19 updated boosters to children five years of age and older beginning Thursday, October 20th.
As a result of the expanded eligibility, the original (monovalent) Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccines will no longer be offered. Both the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be offered for primary series administration in individuals six months of age and older.
Last month, HCPH began to administer the Moderna updated booster to individuals 18 years and older, and the Pfizer updated booster to individuals 12 years and older at vaccine sites across the county. HCPH recommends that individuals utilize the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s (CDC) online vaccination tool to see when or if they or a loved one is eligible to get an updated COVID-19 booster dose.
The updated boosters are administered in a single dose at least two months following the completion of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series or a previous booster vaccine. The booster will protect against the original COVID-19 strains and the Omicron variant. Last month it was estimated by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) that more than 99% of COVID-19 cases in Texas were Omicron variant cases.
“It’s very important that everyone who qualifies receives the updated COVID-19 booster, even if they have received [a booster] in the past. Many COVID-19 strains have developed over the past two years, and we now have a booster that addresses the current strain. COVID-19 has proven to be very unpredictable, and we want people to protect themselves and their families, especially with the upcoming holiday season” said Dr. Ericka Brown, Local Health Authority for Harris County.
HCPH encourages everyone to get their updated booster if they meet eligibility criteria and reach out to their healthcare provider if they have questions. HCPH is also available to answer questions by calling 832-927-7575. COVID-19 vaccinations are free at all HCPH-designated sites and appointments are not required, although recommended. Visit vacstrac.hctx.net or call 832-927-8787 for scheduling. To find a location near you click here.
