Covid Vaccine Update
What has changed?
The original COVID-19 vaccine (also known as monovalent) is no longer available for use in the United States. It has been replaced with the updated (bivalent) vaccine.
The CDC and FDA also simplified vaccine recommendations. People ages 6 and older are now up to date with COVID-19 vaccines if they have received one updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccine.
Do I need to get any more COVID-19 vaccines?
For people ages 6 years and older, you are up to date if you have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 bivalent vaccine. Please see full details on the CDC website.
Who may get an additional bivalent (updated) COVID-19 vaccine?
People ages 65 years and older may get one additional dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine. They can get this dose 4 or more months after they received their first updated COVID-19 vaccine.
People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get one additional dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine. They can get this dose 2 or more months after they received their first updated COVID-19 vaccine. Patients should talk to their care team about additional updated dose.
For more details, please see the CDC website. For specific questions about what is best for you, please discuss with your care team.
What if I have never been vaccinated against COVID-19?
If you are not immunocompromised, you only need to receive one dose of updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccine.
Recommendations are different for immunocompromised people. If you are immunocompromised, please see the CDC website or talk to your care team.
What about children ages 5 years and younger?
We have summarized the recommendations for children ages 5 years and younger below. Please see full details on the CDC website. If you have questions about your child’s vaccine, please contact your pediatrician’s office.
Recommendations for children ages 6 months to 5 years who completed a primary COVID-19 vaccine series:
If your child has completed their primary vaccine series, they should receive at least one dose of the updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccine.
They are up to date if they received at least one dose of the updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccine either as part of their primary series or as an additional booster.
Recommendations for children ages 6 months to 5 years who have never been vaccinated for COVID-19 and are not immunocompromised:
Children who are 6 months to 4 years-old:
Three-dose series of the Pfizer bivalent vaccine or
Two-dose series of the Moderna bivalent vaccine
5-year-old children:
One dose of the Pfizer bivalent vaccine or
Two doses of Moderna bivalent vaccine
Please note that your child must complete their primary series with the same vaccine. For example, if your child’s first dose is the Pfizer vaccine, they must complete their primary series with Pfizer for the full series.
Recommendations for children age 6 months to 5 years who did not complete their primary vaccine series or who are immunocompromised can be found on the CDC website. For specific questions about your child’s vaccine status, please contact your pediatrician’s office.
Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
Go to vaccines.gov to find a location. You can also text your zip code to 438829. Or call 1-800-232-0233.
Many primary and specialty care practices offer the updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccine at regularly scheduled office visits.