SM County: FDA/CDC Expand Eligibility for Updated COVID Vaccines to Include Children 5+

16 Oct SM County: FDA/CDC Expand Eligibility for Updated COVID Vaccines to Include Children 5+

San Miguel County puts out the word: Bivalent boosters address original and omicron strains of the COVID-19 virus.

For the most up to date guidance surrounding CDC guidance, visit the CDC website. Individuals experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or who may have been exposed can find free testing opportunities on the county COVID website at bit.ly/smccovidtest.

Registration for upcoming clinics – including those on October 19, 29, 30 and the Halloween Health Fair on October 25 – can be found on the County COVID webpage at bit.ly/smcvaccine.

Go here for more from San Miguel County.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved Pfizer and Moderna bivalent COVID booster doses for children ages 5 to 11. The updated COVID-19 boosters aim to build immunity against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants.

Initially authorized for older recipients in September, the updated Pfizer booster has been authorized for children aged 5 and older and the updated Moderna booster for children aged 6 and older. The FDA says children can receive the booster at least two months after completing their primary series or receiving a separate booster dose.

Because COVID-19 vaccines have been found to be extremely safe, pediatricians strongly recommend that children receive the two-dose primary series as well as a booster.

“Updated COVID boosters for this younger group is a critical next step to increasing population immunity,” said Public Health Director Grace Franklin. “As we head into colder months when viruses thrive, these boosters can help reduce the risk of infection and the severity of symptoms resulting in time away from school or work.”

San Miguel County Public Health has Moderna and Pfizer bivalent boosters on hand and will administer the boosters at existing clinics for individuals 5 years of age and older.

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