Updated COVID-19 boosters by Moderna and Pfizer are available following the emergency use authorization by the FDA and approval by the CDC. Alaska vaccine providers have ordered over 38,000 doses of the updated bivalent boosters.
According to the Alaska Department of Health, the Moderna and Pfizer bivalent boosters target two strains of COVID-19 – the original strain of the virus and two omicron subvariants (BA.4 and BA.5), currently the most widespread subvariants. People aged 12 years and older are eligible if they have completed a primary series and it has been at least two months since either their primary or a booster dose. As of August 31, the original monovalent booster will not be available to people aged 12 years and older.
The former acting director of the CDC and President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Dr. Richard Besser tells ABC’s ‘This Week’ that he is optimistic that this new bivalent shot will be able to target the Omicron strain:
“In terms of the new strains, what we know from some of the data from both of the companies is that when they made another, another vaccine that had two strains of COVID and one of them targeted Omicron, the level of protective factors in the blood were much much higher and we think that having higher levels of protective factors will prevent more severe infections.”
Dr. Besser said that high-risk Americans should considering their shot as soon as they are able:
“People who are at the highest risk for severe infection and death so…people who are elderly, people with medical conditions that put them at higher risk, certain people with disabilities that increase their risk, I think they’re the ones who should be getting these right away. But get your questions answered so that you’re comfortable.”
The Pfizer bivalent booster is currently authorized for people aged 12 years and older, while Moderna’s is currently authorized for people aged 18 years and older. People aged 18 years and older may choose to receive either the Pfizer or Moderna bivalent booster, regardless of which product they received previously.
Additionally, everyone aged 6 months and older should receive their annual flu shot as the flu vaccine is now available. The CDC recommends people receive their flu shot in September or October, before the flu begins circulating widely.
As updated boosters become available, Alaskans have several options to find a vaccine provider or make an appointment:
- Visit vaccines.gov
- Test their ZIP code to 438829
- Call the Alaska COVID-19 Helpline at (907) 646 – 3322 (hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays).