![]() Get a flu shot or other recommended routine immunizations at the same time. Staying up to date will help keep people better protected against COVID-19. ![]() Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines: According to the CDC, individuals are up to date if a primary series was completed, and the most recent booster dose was received as recommended by the CDC. Individuals aged 12 through 17 years are eligible to receive Pfizer’s updated COVID-19 booster dose, and individuals aged 18 and older are eligible to receive Pfizer’s or Moderna’s updated COVID-19 booster dose. ![]() What Individuals Need to Know about Updated COVID-19 Boosters:Įligibility: Individuals aged 12 years and older who completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series or received a booster dose at least 2 months ago can now receive an updated COVID-19 booster dose. "This season, we encourage everyone to stay protected by getting vaccinated with this more targeted updated COVID-19 booster in addition to receiving their flu shot or other routine immunizations in a single visit." Anita Patel, vice president, pharmacy services development, Walgreens. "Walgreens has played a vital role in responding to COVID-19 as millions have turned to us as a trusted and convenient vaccination destination," said Dr. The updated COVID-19 booster is developed to more effectively protect against the latest viral variants, including Omicron BA.4 and BA.5, the dominant virus strains in the United States. In the first week of May, the state ordered only 880 bivalent doses for Utah providers, despite an additional booster dose being authorized by the FDA and CDC for those 65 and older or who are immunocompromised.Walgreens now offers updated COVID-19 Pfizer and Moderna boosters to eligible individuals aged 12 years and older. ![]() Utahns appear to be losing interest in the vaccine.īetween January and April, the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses shipped monthly to Utah dropped by more than half, from nearly 79,000 to just under 31,000, according to information from the state health and human services department.įor bivalent doses only, the number fell from more than 45,600 in January to almost 25,000 in April, while monovalent doses went from more than 33,000 in January to just over 6,000 in April, the department said. The current bivalent booster went after versions of the fast-spreading omicron variant. But we’ve learned how quickly this virus mutates and we’re able to provide that protection,” she said, by updating the vaccine. “I’m not sure who didn’t have vaccine exhaustion. That’s why keeping up to date is really important,” Wynette said, blaming vaccine “exhaustion” for the low uptake of the bivalent booster dose. But the problem is, either one is going to wane. “So we have good antibody coverage out there. She said a majority of Utahns have been exposed to COVID-19 “one way or the other,” either by contracting the virus or through vaccination. “We’re not far off trend with other jurisdictions,” Wynette said. Less than 17% of people nationwide - and just over 15% in Utah - got the updated booster shot. Health officials are hoping to see more interest in the next round of COVID-19 vaccine, due in the fall alongside annual flu shots. Those who are over 65 or immunocompromised are already eligible for an extra dose of the current bivalent vaccine. Most Americans are expected to need only one COVID-19 shot annually that’s been updated to protect against the latest versions of the virus. Now, even those getting vaccinated against COVID-19 for the first time will receive a single dose of the updated bivalent vaccine. The move is seen as simplifying COVID-19 vaccinations, available to anyone at least 6 months old.īivalent vaccine, first released last fall, had been offered only for booster doses. The decision was backed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Instead, the FDA said only bivalent vaccine that targets more recent versions of COVID-19 in addition to the original strain can now be used in the United States. Why you won’t be able to find the original COVID-19 vaccine in Utah anymore.
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