FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FDA and CDC Approve Pfizer and Moderna Bivalent Boosters
Boosters updated to address original and omicron strains of the COVID-19 virus
Media Contact: Mike Bordogna, County Manager, 970.728.3844, mikeb@sanmiguelcountyco.gov
Lindsey Mills, Public Information Consultant, lindseym@sanmiguelcountyco.gov
(September 6, 2022) – San Miguel County, CO --- Last week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved Pfizer and Moderna COVID booster doses updated to protect recipients from the original COVID virus and the omicron variant. The bivalent boosters contain the genetic code to address both the spike protein of the original COVID virus as well as proteins from omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized both vaccines under an Emergency Use Authorization on Wednesday, August 31. The Pfizer-BioNTech booster is now authorized for anyone 12 or older who received an initial vaccination or booster shot at least two months ago. Adults 18 or older can get the Moderna vaccine if it has been at least two months since their last vaccination.
“This is a natural progression for vaccine development and will add protections before cold and flu season,” said Public Health Director Grace Franklin. “Similar to routine flu vaccines, the variant sequences in an effective vaccine need to be routinely updated to address new variants. These boosters will likely offer better, though imperfect, protection against infection from omicron and will provide better protection against symptomatic illness.”
These updated booster doses were designed to be used as boosters as they contain a lower dose of mRNA. Those who haven’t been vaccinated should get the original, or monovalent, vaccine series first.
In the coming weeks, bivalent boosters for other pediatric groups are expected to be approved as data becomes available.
San Miguel County Public Health has Moderna bivalent boosters on hand and will administer the boosters at existing clinics for individuals 18 years of age and older. Registration for upcoming clinics including those on September 6, 13 and 27 can be found on the County COVID webpage at bit.ly/smcvaccine.
Public Health has ordered Pfizer bivalent boosters as well, anticipating delivery in mid-September. As a result, Public Health will only provide first and second primary series Pfizer doses to those 12 years of age and older at this time.
With flu season around the corner, Public Health is planning a handful of clinics to administer COVID and flu vaccines at the end of September and throughout October. More information will be available surrounding flu clinic dates and registration in the coming weeks.
Power The Comeback:
- Crowded places, covered faces
- Get vaccinated
- Stay home when sick and get tested
For coronavirus vaccine information, visit: bit.ly/smcvaccineinfo
For coronavirus testing information, visit: bit.ly/smccovidtesting
For up-to-date coronavirus information, visit: https://www.sanmiguelcountyco.gov/coronavirus
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