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Elderly now eligible for add’l COVID-19 bivalent booster dose
COVID-19 vaccine recommendations simplified
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Posted on May 08 2023
The Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., with guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration, supports the latest recommendations for COVID-19 boosters and scheduling.
The mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) bivalent COVID-19 vaccines can be used for all primary series and booster doses in adults and children 6 months and up. The original monovalent COVID-19 mRNA COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be recommended for use in the United States.
Current vaccine data supports simplifying the use of the mRNA bivalent COVID-19 vaccines and helps in reducing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death from the serious outcomes of COVID-19.
The recommended changes include:
Everyone 6 months and older who has not received a bivalent vaccine dose should receive one as soon as possible, regardless of what vaccine was used for their primary series.
Those who already received a bivalent vaccine booster dose do not need to take any action, unless they are 65 years or older or immunocompromised.
• People who are immunocompromised may receive additional bivalent vaccine booster doses and should consult their healthcare provider to determine the best timing for additional doses.
• Adults 65 years and older can now receive a second bivalent vaccine booster dose at least four months after their initial bivalent booster dose.
Individuals can get vaccinated for COVID-19 at their provider clinic. These vaccines are available at the CHCC Immunization Clinic, Outpatient clinics (Children’s Clinic, Women’s Clinic, and Family Care Clinic), Tinian Health Center, Rota Health Center, outreach events, or partner clinics (Marianas Medical Center, Medical Associates of the Pacific, Kagman Community Health Center).
Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and the community. Staying up to date on the COVID-19 vaccine also helps reduce the spread of the virus and prevents new variants from emerging.
Contact the CHCC Immunization Program at 670-236-8745 for more information about the COVID-19 vaccine and its services. (CHCC)
