7 Questions and Answers Concerning Newly Approved COVID-19 Boosters
Vaccines and updated boosters are significant in reducing our risk of illness, which in turn will hopefully reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
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Why is it important for me to get the newly approved COVID-19 booster?
COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S. reduce the risk of serious illness due to COVID-19 infection.
As with other diseases, you can improve your resistance to COVID-19 when you stay up to date with the recommended vaccines and boosters. Boosters can help restore protection that has diminished since a previous vaccination.
In addition to bolstering your immunity to the original Covid-19 virus, the new bivalent boosters target Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. Other subvariants will continue to emerge, but BA.4 and BA.5 are considered more contagious than earlier strains of Omicron.
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If I received the Pfizer vaccine for my primary series, do I have to get a Pfizer booster?
No. People ages 6 and older can get an updated Covid booster from a different manufacturer than their primary series or last booster.
So, if you received the Pfizer vaccine for a primary series, you are eligible to get the newly approved Moderna booster, or vice-versa.
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I had a COVID-19 booster earlier in spring 2022; when will I be eligible to get the newly approved booster?
The CDC encourages you to get the updated COVID-19 booster if 2 months or more have passed since your last booster or the completion of your primary series.
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Do I need a COVID-19 booster and a flu shot?
Yes. You need to get the seasonal flu shot and a COVID-19 booster this fall because they protect against different viruses.
Moreover, neither vaccine provides “cross-reactivity.” A flu shot will not help protect you against COVID-19, nor will a COVID-19 vaccination or booster improve your immunity against influenza.
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Can I get the most recent COVID-19 booster at the Moultrie County Health Department?
Yes! The MCHD offers the original COVID-19 primary series vaccines and the newly approved Moderna bivalent booster.
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How do I schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment for my children?
You can schedule COVID vaccine and booster appointments for children ages 6-17 by calling the MCHD office at (217) 728-4114.
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Can I schedule a COVID-19 vaccine or booster appointment online?
Yes! Adults may schedule a vaccine or booster appointment online at https://www.moultriehealth.org/coronavirus/covid-vaccines/. Click on one of the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine clinics. Then, you can click on one of the green buttons to register for a vaccine or booster appointment.
What if I have further concerns or questions?
Why is it important for me to get the newly approved COVID-19 booster?
COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S. reduce the risk of serious illness due to COVID-19 infection.
As with other diseases, you can improve your resistance to COVID-19 when you stay up to date with the recommended vaccines and boosters. Boosters can help restore protection that has diminished since a previous vaccination.
In addition to bolstering your immunity to the original Covid-19 virus, the new bivalent boosters target Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. Other subvariants will continue to emerge, but BA.4 and BA.5 are considered more contagious than earlier strains of Omicron.
If I received the Pfizer vaccine for my primary series, do I have to get a Pfizer booster?
No. People ages 6 and older can get an updated Covid booster from a different manufacturer than their primary series or last booster.
So, if you received the Pfizer vaccine for a primary series, you are eligible to get the newly approved Moderna booster, or vice-versa.
I had a COVID-19 booster earlier in spring 2022; when will I be eligible to get the newly approved booster?
The CDC encourages you to get the updated COVID-19 booster if 2 months or more have passed since your last booster or the completion of your primary series.
Do I need a COVID-19 booster and a flu shot?
Yes. You need to get the seasonal flu shot and a COVID-19 booster this fall because they protect against different viruses.
Moreover, neither vaccine provides “cross-reactivity.” A flu shot will not help protect you against COVID-19, nor will a COVID-19 vaccination or booster improve your immunity against influenza.
Can I get the most recent COVID-19 booster at the Moultrie County Health Department?
Yes! The MCHD offers the original COVID-19 primary series vaccines and the newly approved Moderna bivalent booster.
How do I schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment for my children?
You can schedule COVID vaccine and booster appointments for children ages 6-17 by calling the MCHD office at (217) 728-4114.
Can I schedule a COVID-19 vaccine or booster appointment online?
Yes! Adults may schedule a vaccine or booster appointment online at https://www.moultriehealth.org/coronavirus/covid-vaccines/. Click on one of the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine clinics. Then, you can click on one of the green buttons to register for a vaccine or booster appointment.
If you have any concerns regarding whether you should consider the Covid-19 vaccination, please get in touch with your healthcare provider.
If you have further questions about the vaccine, please contact the MCHD at 217-728-4114. Our office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm.