The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved two new booster shots by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna that take aim at the latest strains and variants of COVID-19. The bivalent formulations of the vaccines were approved for use as a single booster dose at least two months following primary or booster vaccination. The vaccines are safe and have been tested to meet the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC’s rigorous scientific standards. The vaccines were formally approved for use by the FDA on Aug. 31.
Nurse Giving Vaccination.
The updated boosters are only for people who have already completed their primary vaccination series using the original vaccines. Age eligibility requirements are different for each booster:
• Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent: Individuals 18 years of age and older are eligible for a single booster dose if it has been at least two months since they have completed primary vaccination or have received the most recent booster dose with any authorized or approved monovalent COVID-19 vaccine.
• Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent: Individuals 12 years of age and older are eligible for a single booster dose if it has been at least two months since they have completed primary vaccination or have received the most recent booster dose with any authorized or approved monovalent COVID-19 vaccine.
“As we continue to navigate the endemic phase of COVID-19, we have been consistent in our messaging that vaccinations and boosters are the way for our Denver community to stay as safe as possible,” said Bob McDonald, DDPHE executive director. “As we head into fall, we expect to see a surge in COVID-19 cases, as is typical for respiratory illnesses. Getting the approved bivalent vaccine is essential in staying protected from the newer variants of COVID-19
Vaccines are free, readily available and requires no proof of insurance or identification. Additional resources about COVID-19 vaccines and boosters can be found on the DDPHE COVID-19 webpage at DenverGov.org/COVID19.