COVID-19 infections and deaths have dropped significantly for the United States and we’re currently at low levels of severe illness in the greater-Omaha area. However, the coronavirus still proves a threat, particularly if you are immunocompromised or have not been fully vaccinated and boosted.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released new recommendations for the COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine doses. In fall 2022, the FDA released the bivalent booster that targets two virus strains: Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5, plus the original SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The latest FDA recommendations came out on April 18, 2023. The key differences are listed below:
- The bivalent vaccine can now be an initial dose for all eligible age groups. Most people are recommended to receive only one primary bivalent dose.
- People aged 65 and over are eligible for a second dose at least four months following their initial bivalent dose.
- Some immunocompromised individuals are eligible for a second dose at least two months following the initial bivalent dose.
Please see this link for additional details: Moderna COVID-19 Vaccines | FDA. If you have any questions as to eligibility, please be sure to speak with your think provider.
Staying Vigilant
The coronavirus is going to be around for a long time. Hopefully, the virus will become a milder illness as we all become more immunized against it, whether that’s by natural occurrence or by vaccinations. There are still concerns about new variants popping up around the world and making it to the U.S. We just don’t know which ones will be serious ones until they’ve been around for some time. In the meantime, we need to stay vigilant in protecting our health with the vaccinations and boosters we have available.
Think Whole Person Healthcare continues to offer the Moderna bivalent COVID-19 vaccine and boosters. The vaccine and booster doses are available 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the second floor of the think medical offices on a walk-in basis.