New Omicron COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters Now Authorized – Limited Vaccine Supply

East Wenatchee, WA – The Omicron bivalent booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech (Pfizer) and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are now authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup.

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The bivalent booster vaccines provide additional protection by targeting variants that are more transmissible, such as the Omicron variant. The Washington State Department of Health updated its booster dose recommendations. Recommendations for the bivalent booster vaccines depend on age and the type of primary vaccine series received:

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• Children under 5 are currently not authorized for any COVID-19 booster dose
• Children 5 – 11 who have completed a Pfizer primary vaccine series should continue to receive the company’s original booster at least 5 months after their most recent dose
• Children 12 – 17 who have completed a primary vaccine series can receive the Pfizer bivalent booster at least two months after their most recent dose
• People 18 and older who have completed a primary vaccine series can receive either company’s bivalent booster at least two months after their most recent dose

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Due to limited vaccine supplies, Chelan-Douglas Health District is working with local healthcare partners and pharmacies to prioritize local supply of the bivalent booster vaccines to individuals who are immunocompromised or high-risk, such as those residing in long-term care facilities.

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CDHD continues to offer first and second primary series of the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine to adults and children ages 5+. Original (monovalent) boosters are still available for children ages 5 to 11 years old. Monovalent boosters are no longer available for people 12 years and older. If you are seeking a COVID-19 vaccine for children under the age of five, parents or guardians are encouraged to contact their pediatric provider.

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The next COVID-19 vaccine clinic is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, September 28, from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm at the Town Toyota Center in Wenatchee. If you are interested in a primary series or the new Omicron bivalent booster dose, stay tuned for vaccine availability and requirements.

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To stay informed on local public health, visit www.cdhd.wa.gov and follow CDHD on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.