As of September 2022, over 1 million people in the United States have lost their lives to COVID-19, and over 90 million have been infected with the virus. [I] Now, almost two years since the first COVID-19 vaccines were administered, the FDA has authorized two new bivalent COVID-19 vaccines for use as booster doses—as opposed to the original monovalent vaccines and boosters. [ii]
This article will provide helpful insight into these new bivalent boosters, how they work, and who is eligible to receive them.
Let’s dive in.
What are Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines?
How do the Updated Boosters Work?
Who is Eligible for the New Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines?
The eligibility for the new bivalent COVID-19 vaccines varies depending on the specific creteria. As of August 31, 2022, the Moderna COVID-19 bivalent vaccine is authorized for those 18 and older, while the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 bivalent vaccine is authorized for those 12 and older. [vi]
The CDC‘s authorized timing for receiving one of these boosters is as follows:
“Authorized as single booster dose administered at least 2 months after either:
- Completion of primary vaccination with any authorized or approved monovalent COVID- 19 vaccine, or
- Receipt of the most recent booster dose with any authorized or approved monovalent COVID-19 vaccine” [vi]
It is still Important to get Vaccinated
Your Public health Partner
As the fall season begins, it’s important for healthcare leaders to be able to prepare their staff and educate their communities on these new bivalent COVID-19 vaccines. At AB Med, we love helping our partners develop innovative healthcare solutions to keep their communities healthy and safe. From epidemiology to population health and program management, we can help you provide the right care and resources to those who need them most.
COVID-19 Disclaimer
At AB Med, accuracy is our highest priority, and everything we publish is up-to-date based on research and news at the time of release. However, due to the continually evolving nature of COVID-19, we are aware that available data changes quickly. The available data and recommendations may have changed since this article’s publication. Please check the CDC, WHO, and your local health department for the most current recommendations and news.
REFERENCES & RESOURCES
- CDC (2020). COVID Data Tracker. [online] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home.
- Commissioner, O. of the (2022). Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Authorizes Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines for Use as a Booster Dose. [online] FDA. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-moderna-pfizer-biontech-bivalent-covid-19-vaccines-use.
- Commissioner, O. of the (2022). COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine Boosters. FDA. [online] Available at: https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/covid-19-bivalent-vaccine-boosters.
- CDC (2020). COVID-19 and Your Health. [online] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html.
- CDC (2022). Understanding mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines. [online] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mrna.html.
- Interim Clinical Considerations for COVID-19 Vaccines: Bivalent Boosters. (n.d.). [online] Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/meetings/downloads/slides-2022-09-01/09-COVID-Hall-508.pdf.
- CDC (2022). COVID-19 Vaccination. [online] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html?s_cid=11705:65%20and%20older%20covid%20booster:sem.ga:p:RG:GM:gen:PTN:FY22 [Accessed 14 Sep. 2022].
By: Erik McLaughlin MD, MPH and Aikaterini Papadopoulou, B.Arch
