For more information on COVID-19 Vaccines including Boosters see the following CDC webpage: Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters | CDC. Below are some common questions that have come up.
- Why is this COVID-19 booster called bivalent?
- This booster has snippets of the original coronavirus and currently circulating strains of BA.4 and BA.5 in its composition. Because the virus has changed so much from the original strain, the booster needed updating to improve effectiveness and induce a broader immune response.
- What testing has been done to ensure the safety and efficacy of this bivalent vaccine?
- The studies are just being published, however both manufacturers have completed testing trials that meet the rigorous requirements for FDA, CDC, and ACIP.
- I did not have the COVID-19 vaccinations when they first came out. Am I eligible for the bivalent vaccine?
- No. You must have had the primary series of vaccinations through Janssen (1), Moderna (2), or Pfizer (2) before you are eligible for this booster.
- If I choose not to get this booster, can I get one of the original boosters?
- No. The monovalent booster that has been available through the summer will be replaced with the bivalent vaccine. Only children 5-11 years of age are eligible for the original booster.
- I just had the booster vaccine last week. Can I get the bivalent vaccine now?
- No. You must wait 2 months before you are eligible for the bivalent vaccine.
- I finished my last vaccine in the primary series at the end of July. When can I make an appointment for the bivalent booster?
- You must wait 2 months before you receive the bivalent booster.
- I just got over COVID. When can I get the booster?
- Anyone who has recently been infected with COVID-19 should wait 3 months after they tested positive to get a booster shot.
- I have had the primary series and 2 booster vaccinations. Do I really need to get this bivalent booster shot too?
- That is a discussion you should have with your primary care physician. There are many variables that go into determining if an individual should receive the booster (i.e.: current health status, are you considered high risk for hospitalization if you become infected with COVID-19, do you work in a high-risk environment such as healthcare or law enforcement).
- My child is 8 and has had one booster. When can I take them to get the bivalent booster?
- Children who are 5-11 years of age will receive the original booster. Anyone over the age of 12 years of age is eligible for the bivalent booster vaccine.
- Can I get the flu shot and the COVID-19 booster at the same time?
- It is safe to get the booster and the flu shot at the same time. Generally, they will be given in separate arms.
- Where can I get the bivalent booster vaccine?
- The vaccine will be available at local pharmacies and public health. You will need to call ahead to schedule an appointment. The phone numbers are listed below.
- Dowd’s Pharmacy Guthrie Center 641-747-8317
- Medicap Pharmacy Panora 641-755-2312
- Wright Pharmacy Stuart 515-523-1525
- Guthrie County Public Health Guthrie Center 641-747-3972
- Public health will be holding additional clinics in the near future, so be sure to watch for those dates.
- The vaccine will be available at local pharmacies and public health. You will need to call ahead to schedule an appointment. The phone numbers are listed below.