On April 19, 2023, the CDC updated recommendations for COVID-19 vaccine: Everyone 6 years and older should receive one updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of whether they’ve received any original COVID-19 vaccines. Adults over 65 and older should get a second updated dose. The “updated” vaccine, previously referred to as a “bivalent booster”, offers protection against the original and newer strains of COVID-19.
These changes mean most unvaccinated individuals are considered up to date after a single dose of the updated vaccine.
Kids under age 6 and immunocompromised patients may need additional vaccines, depending on the number of doses they’ve previously received. For most individuals under age 65 who are up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines, no additional doses are recommended at this time.
To learn more, visit the CDC’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html#everyone-6-and-older.
If you are not sure about your vaccination status or need an updated vaccine, speak with your YKHC healthcare provider. Call your local clinic or, in Bethel, call 907-543-6442.